Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu recently issued Memorandum Order No. 2017-309 directing all the Regional Directors of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to strictly monitor mining operations, impose penalties on erring mining companies and immediately remediate damages, in line with the President's statement pertaining to the concerns on the damages and adverse effects of irresponsible mining and abusive miners.

Cimatu directed the MGB Regional Directors to implement the following: 1) strict and continuous monitoring of mining operations in accordance with the standards set forth under the existing mining and environmental laws, rules and regulations, particularly on the environmental, social and safety provisions thereof; 2) conduct immediate investigation and imposition of appropriate penalties and sanctions on violations committed; and 3) immediate implementation of appropriate remediation/rehabilitation of adverse effects/damages, including the prompt assessment and payment of compensation to the affected individual/s.

Cimatu reiterated that irresponsible mining should never be allowed in the country.

Source:MGB

• [Editor:tianmichai]