The Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 and the Minahang Bayan Program are two significant pieces of legislation in the Philippines that regulate and promote small-scale mining activities in the country. Here are some key points about each:
Small Scale Mining Act of 1991
- The Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 aims to promote the development of the small-scale mining industry in the Philippines while minimizing the adverse environmental impact of mining activities.
- The law provides for the establishment of People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas (PSSMAs) where small-scale mining activities can be conducted.
- The law mandates that small-scale mining operations should be undertaken only in areas designated as PSSMAs and only with a permit from the government.
- The law also requires small-scale miners to adopt environmentally sound methods of mining and to take measures to minimize the impact of their activities on the environment.
- It mandates the establishment of the Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB/CMRB) to oversee small-scale mining operations in their respective areas.
Minahang Bayan Program
- The Minahang Bayan Program is a government initiative that aims to promote responsible small-scale mining in the country.
- It provides for the declaration of Minahang Bayan areas where small-scale mining activities can be conducted.
- It requires small-scale miners to follow environmentally responsible mining practices and to comply with government regulations.
- It provides for the establishment of Minahang Bayan committees to oversee small-scale mining operations in the designated areas.
- It promotes the development of small-scale mining communities and to provide livelihood opportunities for local residents while protecting the environment.
Philippine Small Scal Mining Act Updates and Links
- To find the full and updated list of officially declared Minahang Bayan sites, see this directory: http://databaseportal.mgb.gov.ph/#/public/minahang-bayan
- To view the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Small Scale Mining Act, as per DENR AO2022-03, download this PDF file: https://bmb.gov.ph/bmb/DAO/dao2022-03.pdf
- In a press briefing during year-end, DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that the institution hopes to remove outdated rules from the Republic Act 7076 aka Small Scale Mining Act of 1991, and undertake a comprehensive review of the existing legal framework for mining. She emphasized that it shall be the FIRST area that her department will be reviewing this new year 2023.