Pasil sets extra requirements for mining operators before business permits

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Mining and other mineral resource extraction operators in Pasil, Kalinga will now face additional local requirements before they can secure business permits and begin operations.

This follows the approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Pasil Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-15 during its 34th regular session on Tuesday, August 25.

Under the ordinance, mining and other mineral resource extraction entities must undergo the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU), and comply with other local requirements before business permits are issued.

The measure was among eight Pasil municipal ordinances reviewed by the SP Committee on Rules and Ethics and subsequently approved by the provincial board.

FPIC, MOA before permits

Under the ordinance, mining and other mineral resource extraction operators in Pasil must first undergo the FPIC process and enter into an MOA with the LGU.

They are also required to comply with other requirements imposed by the municipal government before securing business permits and starting extraction activities.

The measure forms part of the municipality’s regulatory framework for mining and other mineral resource extraction activities.

In its review, the Committee on Rules and Ethics found that the ordinance establishes a local regulatory framework intended to protect the environment, safeguard indigenous cultural communities, and ensure compliance with municipal requirements before permits are issued.

The committee, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, recommended the ordinance for approval and declaration of validity.

The provincial board adopted the recommendation during its August 25 session, presided over by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem.

Pasil’s mining potential

The new local requirements come as Pasil already has areas covered by small-scale mining, mineral exploration and other mining-related activities.

In January 2022, the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board declared a 700-hectare area of the Guinaang Tribe Indigenous Peoples Cultural Community in Barangays Bagtayan and Galdang as a People’s Small-Scale Mining Area, or Minahang Bayan.

It was the first Minahang Bayan declared in Kalinga.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2022 annual report identified the Guinaang Tribe Indigenous Peoples Cultural Community Minahang Bayan in Pasil as covering 700 hectares, with gold and copper listed among its commodities.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera (MGB-CAR) 2022 Kalinga Mineral Profile also identified gold and sulfur among the province’s mineral deposits in Pasil. It likewise listed the Guinaang Tribe Minahang Bayan and an exploration permit held by Makilala Mining Company in the municipality.

In March 2024, MGB-CAR reported that the DENR had approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) No. 356-2024-CAR of Makilala Mining Company Inc., covering 2,500.8232 hectares in Pasil.

MGB-CAR later reported the renewal of the company’s Exploration Permit No. 011-2023-CAR, covering 947.67 hectares in Sitio Botilao, Barangay Colayo.

Mining projects draw community attention

Another mining-related development is the Batong Buhay Copper-Gold Project in Balatoc. In July 2026, the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC) said it was coordinating with the Balatoc Indigenous Cultural Community, government agencies and other stakeholders toward the responsible development of the project.

Faratuk Exploration and Mining was also reported to have presented a draft MOA to the community outlining proposed development commitments.

These included the construction of a ₱100-million access road, improved healthcare facilities and medical services, scholarship programs, employment and livelihood opportunities, and other community development initiatives.

As mining and exploration activities continue to develop in the municipality, the newly approved ordinance is expected to strengthen the role of the local government and communities in regulating resource extraction.

The measure provides Pasil with an additional tool to ensure that mining and mineral resource extraction activities are accompanied by community participation, environmental safeguards and compliance with local regulations, particularly as the municipality continues to attract projects because of its known gold, copper and other mineral resources.