Benguet small-scale mining law pushed

A law on small-scale mining [SSM] may soon be approved by the end of the year.

Benguet Board Member Apolinario Camsol chair on committee on Mining is hopeful the proposed ordinance will be approved aiming to set into place the establishment of a framework for the operation SSM and quarrying in the province.

Camsol said Lomino Kaniteng President of Benguet Small-Scale Mining Federation recorded 25,000 SSM miners in Itogon, Tuba, and Mankayan.

In the proposed ordinance, applications for all small scale mining contract shall be filed with the Provincial Governor through the Provincial Mining Regula-

tory Board (PMRB). Composed of the Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau- Cordillera, provincial governor, small scale mining representative, large scale representative, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, accredited environmental non-government organization representative and IP representative who shall accept , process and evaluate applications and recommend administrative charges and fees for Small-Scale Miners.

"So far there were no collected amendments, Monday, a confirmation for second reading tackled to be continued, after third reading its already approved,” Camsol said.

The new law co-authored by Board Members Bernard Waclin, with Florencio Bentrez, James Guanso, and Roberto Canuto prohibits extraction of minerals without securing appropriate permits.

The new law states proceeds of the tax on sand and gravel, ordinary earth, quarry or other mineral sources shall be distributed as follows; 30% to the province, 30% to the municipality and 40% to the barangays.

Violators will face conviction, with imprisonment and fines amounting to P3,000 to P5,000.

Camsol said “With the new law it will imply the protection of the small scale miners, income generating for the province, and small scale miners unite.”