Consultation pushes for recognition of small-scale mining industry in Jose Panganiban

By Angelica Pago

(63) 915-9260371/angelica@bantoxics.org

QUEZON CITY - Ban Toxics! in partnership with the local government of Jose Panganiban, is conducting a consultation meeting with key stakeholders in small-scale mining sector, Camarines Norte provincial government and other concerned groups to address the challenges faced by small scale miners in the area.

The consultation meeting was convened today, July 17, 2013 in preparation for the establishment of a minahang bayan and legalization of the small scale miners in the area.

Small-scale miners in the area have been calling on the local government to recognize their rights to work on their lands, but the absence of necessary permits, among other issues, hindered them from being recognized.

With the absence of minahang bayan, the small scale mining industry continues to thrive through unregulated means, which pose serious threats to the health, security, and even lives of small scale miners in the province.

Even with the new Executive Order 79, which aims to strengthen the mining industry, small scale miners feel left out with this development. Due to the moratorium on the issuance of environment clearance certificates (ECC) and permits, no new small scale mining permits have been granted.

Last year, three small scale miners died when the seaside pit where they were looking for gold ores collapsed in Paracale.       

In Jose Panganiban, reported illegal mining activities has caught the attention of the late Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo, and has called an investigation on the case. Just last June 2013, a congressional probe was sought on the alleged illegal minerals transport from Jose Panganiban to China.

“The small-scale mining industry should have a clear and united stand among their ranks to ensure that they are following the law, so that the industry and the rights of the small-scale miners will be recognized. These unregulated and uncorrected means of mining must be addressed in order for the small-scale mining industry to practice their craft in a safe and responsible way,” said Marie Marciano, chief operations officer of BAN Toxics!

  

“The consultation meeting will be a big push for the small scale mining industry in Camarines Norte” she added.

BAN Toxics! is an independent non-government environmental organization focused on the advancement of environmental justice, children's health, and toxics elimination. Working closely with government agencies, partner communities and other NGOs in both the local and international levels, BAN Toxics endeavors to reduce and eliminate the use of harmful toxins through education campaigns, training and awareness-raising, and policy-building and advocacy programs.