MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 18, 2013) – An independent nongovernmental organization called BAN Toxics! and the provincial government of Camarines Norte and the local government of Jose Panganiban town held a public consultation in preparation for the establishment of the so-called “Minahang Bayan” and legalization of the small-scale miners in the area.
Organizers said the consultation meeting with key stakeholders aims to address the challenges faced by small-scale miners who 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 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 month, 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,” Marie Marciano, chief operations officer of BAN Toxics!, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
She said the consultation meeting is a big push for the small-scale mining industry in Camarines Norte
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