Small scale miners concern presented in symposium

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -Tedious requirements in the legalization of small scale mining and in the application of Minahang Bayan, and conflicting and inconsistent provisions of laws are among the pressing issues and concerns which need to be looked into for the sector to prosper.

Various stakeholders in the industry raised their issues and concerns in a symposium entitled “Strengthening Multistakeholder Participation in Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining Governance in Benguet” spearheaded by the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI).

Sharing the sentiments of small scale miners in the town of Itogon, Councilor Daxie Allain Xavier Godio said many would like to be legalized but they cannot comply with the tedious requirements.

Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian expressed the same sentiment. He also raised the need for Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) regardless if the applicant is a member of the indigenous cultural community.

KabayanMayor Gideon Todiano stressed the need to legalize SSM operations so local government units could guide them in their operations.

Leoncio Na-oy, SecretaryGeneral of the Benguet Federation of Small Scale Miners Association, agreed that the road to legalization is difficult to attain citing inconsistencies in the provisions of the laws, the requirement for a full blown FPIC process for mineral extraction for both large and small scale mining per NCIP requirements, and the issue on the imposition of taxes which has increased with the implementation of the

new tax reform law.

Peter Cosalan, a Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board member, also raised the conflicting provisions of the IPRA Law and the Regalian doctrine on the ownership of resources. He also cited the the non-devolution of powers to the board which is still chaired by the MGB with the provincial governor as co-chair.

Meanwhile, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Fay Apil also presented the challenges they are encountering specifically on the Minahang Bayan. She urged small scale mining operators and miners to level up their mining procedures focused on responsible environmental practices.

Governor Crescencio Pacalso expressed hope that appropriate solutions will be implemented not only for the benefit of the SSMs but the local and national government and all stakeholders.