The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would to sign and execute in October the amended implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 which is expected to allow the department to formalize the operations of small scale miners.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno said the DENR, with assistance from the bureau, is currently putting the 'finishing touches' on the amended IRR. Speaking on the sidelines of the recently held Mining Philippines 2014 Conference and Exhibition, Jasareno said : "We would only be able to implement reforms once the guidelines are in place"
The revised IRR is designed to level the playing field in the local extractive sector by providing small- scale miners with access to sites that were only earlier opened to large-scale mining operations if they can meet stricter regulations imposed by the government. This is as indiscriminate small-scale mining operations cause damage to the environment and deprive the government of earnings from operations.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno said the DENR, with assistance from the bureau, is currently putting the 'finishing touches' on the amended IRR. Speaking on the sidelines of the recently held Mining Philippines 2014 Conference and Exhibition, Jasareno said : "We would only be able to implement reforms once the guidelines are in place"
The revised IRR is designed to level the playing field in the local extractive sector by providing small- scale miners with access to sites that were only earlier opened to large-scale mining operations if they can meet stricter regulations imposed by the government. This is as indiscriminate small-scale mining operations cause damage to the environment and deprive the government of earnings from operations.