Abra opens First Minahang Bayan

Abra, Philippines – The Ag-agit Small-Scale Miners and Mining Cooperative Inc. in Mapisla, Licuan-Baay Abra has been declared as Minahang Bayan Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) after completion of requirements.

MGB-CAR Regional Director Fay W. Apil said the cooperative has submitted the requirements and its declaration as a legal mining organization has been signed by DENR Usec. Rodolfo Garcia.

This makes the Ag-agit Small-Scale Miners and Mining Cooperative Inc. the first to be declared as Minahang Bayan in the province.

Small mining contract needed to commence operation

As a Minahang Bayan, there is need for the cooperative to obtain a Small – Scale Mining (SSM) Contract before their mining operations will be allowed to commence.

In said contract, some regulations have to strictly implemented. The regulation is needed to ensure environmental protection, safety of the miners and for the government to generate revenues through it.

“Ti pannaka-regulate ti small-scale mining ditoy probinsia ket paset iti programa ti PGA iti panagsalluad iti aglawlaw kabayatan a masierto a saan nga agpeggad ti salun-at ken biag dagiti mangmangged iti panagmina,” the provincial government said.

EO of Abra Governor Joy Bernos mandating temporary cessation of mining in the province

Governor Joy Bernos through EO No. 11 s. 2018 on September 25, 2018 mandated the temporary cessation of all types of mining in the province to prevent degradation of the environment and to give time for small-scale mining operators to process their permits.

For a small-scale mining to be given mining permit, they must comply with requirements to include Application Form, Location Map, Sketch Plan duly prepared, signed and sealed by an MGB deputized Geodetic Engineer, Two (2) Year Work Program duly prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed Mining Engineer/Geologist, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), Proof of Technical Competence.

Other requirements are Proof of Financial Capability to undertake the activities pursuant to submitted Two (2)Year Work Program, Duly certified Articles of Incorporation / Partnership / Association, By-Laws and Certificate of Registration issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or authorized government agencies; and other supporting papers that the PMRB may require.

Meantime, ENRO Abra informed that there are six more pending applications for the Minahang Bayan declaration coming from Boliney, Manabo, and Licuan-Baay municipalities.

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