DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/05 December) — The regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recently endorsed 27 mining applications for approval to its national office in line with the implementation of the “use it or lose it” policy that started last year.
Lawyer Wilfredo Moncado, officer-in-charge of the Mine Management Division of MGB-XI, said during the press forum yesterday at Café Rysus in SM City Davao that the approval of their applications by the national office would take about a year or two.
“The firms were endorsed after noting that they have complied with all the requirements for processing as set by the agency,” he said.
Among the requirements are endorsements from the local government units, free and prior informed consent from the indigenous people, clearances from other national agencies, publication, posting and radio announcement of their applications.
The companies applied for mineral production sharing agreement and exploration permits.
Among the mining firms that were endorsed were 168 Masuerteng Minahan Inc., Alberto Mining Corp., Holcim Phils. Inc., Jake Mining Corp., Greater Asia Mining and Development Corp., Oro East Mining Co., Philippine Meng Di Mining Corp., Southern Horizon Mining Corp. and Zetoza Mineral Res. Corp.
The companies were among the 171 applicants which were subjected to the “use it or lose it” policy. The agency imposed the policy to look into idle mining applications.
Of the 171 applications, 131 were denied for non-compliance with the requirements, especially the free and prior informed consent, Moncado said.
He said 79 of the 131 firms whose applications were denied have filed a motion for reconsideration. But he stressed that the denial of their applications was irrevocable. (MindaNews)
