The government said it expects to revitalize not only the mining sector but also the entire economy, with the lifting of the ban on open pit mining.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu signed a memorandum order on Dec. 23 that effectively reinstates the use of open pit mining method by mining firms. The memo was issued to revitalize the mining industry and create significant economic benefits by providing raw materials for construction and development of other industries; and establish the parameters and criteria on the types of surface mining methods under the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility.
The parameters are expected to address the environmental and safety issues of surface mining methods, particularly with open pit mining.
The DENR said the continued restriction on open pit ban might result in grave economic loss for the country. Through the memo, all mining tenement holders will be required to conduct baseline information gathering and evaluation and incorporate them in the mining project feasibility study, for final assessment by the DENR.