MICC urged to act on lifting mining ban
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to consult the interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) on how to finally resolve the issues surrounding Executive Order 79, which imposed a moratorium on new mining contracts.
“The moratorium is still in effect. We will look into it since part of the moratorium is the tax increase,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu told reporters on the sidelines of the EcoWaste Management opening ceremony yesterday.
“We will find out now if this (increase) is enough. We will tackle it with the MICC,” he added.
The recent implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law imposes a four percent tax on mining, higher than the two percent previously.
“This will be a significant contribution in revenues for the government,” Cimatu said.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau wants the moratorium to be lifted this year as it expects a relatively positive 2018 with more investment opportunities and improved production.
Cimatu also continues to urge local companies to promote responsible mining and ensure their operations have minimal impact on the environment and local communities.
“I told them to shape up because it appears that some of them are still not doing what they’re supposed to do. I’m calling them again in February as we continue our campaign against non-compliant mines,” he said.
Cimatu recently met with industry stakeholders to thresh out concerns and issues in the sector.
He said the DENR and MICC are on track to release the mining review results on companies ordered closed and suspended by former environment chief Gina Lopez.