MANILA – The Philippines has lifted a two-year moratorium on approving mining exploration permits, in a move that the government and industry hope will help determine the potential of some prospects in the world’s No. 2 nickel ore exporter.
The decision is the second mining policy measure to be amended in recent months, but environment officials said a ban on new mining operations is still in place, suggesting the impact of the new order will be limited.
Environment secretary Roy Cimatu – who took over from committed environmentalist Regina Lopez in May last year – also lifted a moratorium on government approvals for small-scale mining projects last month.
Citing President Rodrigo Duterte’s push on “increasing competitiveness and the ease of doing business to attract local and foreign direct investment,” Cimatu lifted the exploration moratorium in an order published in a local newspaper late last week.
However, mining remains a controversial issue in the country due to past examples of environmental mismanagement, and only 3 percent of 9 million hectares identified by the state as having high mineral reserves is mined.
Duterte has repeatedly criticized miners for polluting rivers and destroying forests, warning them of big changes ahead during his state of the nation address on July 23.
Environment undersecretary Analiza Teh said last week that the new order will only allow exploration at 16 previously approved mining contracts.
“Only those with existing MPSAs (mineral production sharing agreements) can proceed with exploration only,” Teh said. “The exploration permit allows only mapping, drilling so it can proceed to determine mining potential, but no new mineral agreements will still be signed.”
The lifting of the moratorium comes more than a month after a government panel said 23 out of 27 mines have passed an initial review for compliance with state regulations.
The Philippines is the second biggest supplier of nickel ore to top buyer China, after Indonesia, where it is used to produce stainless steel. (Reuters)
