The government plans to pursue long-term and stable environmental policies focusing on the country’s proper utilization of mineral deposits and responsible mining, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said. MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano, n his opening speech during a three-day international conference, said the Philippines must strictly implement responsible mining and that projects should be technically feasible, environmentally compliant, socially acceptable and financially viable. To encourage more investors, the MGB will clarify its policy issuances, cut down the list of requirements and documents and institutionalize the mining application process. The MGB will also closely coordinate with other regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Management Bureau, Biodiversity Management Bureau and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the approval of mining projects. The MGB will continue to generate and share geologic and mineral resource information with the industry and that geohazard, groundwater resources, geology and mineral potential activities will be continuously undertaken.

Source: The Standard September 01, 2017 12:56 UTC