The Department of the Interior and Local Government enjoined LGUs to fully cooperate in the conduct of a nationwide mining audit in their respective jurisdictions.
“Mining audits are very essential to ensure compliance to responsible mining practices by concerned companies and to protect the interests of the helpless and the poor,” Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will conduct a nationwide mining audit to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of environmental protection measures in each mining operation.
The new mining audit will determine appropriate penalties for violation of mining and environmental laws.
In a memorandum circular, Sueno said LGUs shall provide logistics and security through the Philippine National Police or Barangay Peace and Security Officers for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of the audit.
He also clarified that non-compliance with the provisions of the circular shall be dealt with the force of pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
The audit of mining sites is in accordance with Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and Executive Order 9 “Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector.”
It is also aligned with DENR’s MC 2016-01, “Audit of All Operating Mines and Moratorium on New Mining Projects.”