Article Text

Download PDFPDF

1637f Legislation and best practices in small-scale mining in the philippines
Free
  1. SF Lu
  1. College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines

Abstract

This study analyses the small-scale mining activities and the best practices for mercury-free gold mining. The data were based on literature, national laws and modules for small-scale mining, as well as interviews of major stakeholders in small scale mining in the Philippines. Currently, there are two national legislations on small-scale mining and an executive order to compliment these national laws, Presidential Decree 1899, which allowed for small-scale mining in the Philippines, and Republic Act 7076, which introduced guidelines for local miners on artisanal mining. Executive Order 79 prohibits the use of mercury in small-scale mining, however it goes against other legislative acts in place regulating the use of mercury for industrialization. Furthermore, the Order states that small-scale mining is not allowed outside the ‘Minahang Bayan (People’sMining)’, which was established to regulate small-scale mining. This is inconsistent with President Decree 1899 which allows for mining activities. There are thousands of illegal small-scale mining, as they cannot adhere to the administrative requirements set by the local government units. Hence, there is a need to revise and amend the existing laws to serve and benefit the local Filipino miners. Among the best practices in the approach to mercury-free mining in the Philippines showed the need for a participatory approach among major stakeholders such as the small scale miners, local government, and civil society-advocacy groups, the need for technical knowledge of shifting to mercury-free mining, respect for culture of the indigenous miners, and capacitating strategies to maintain the mercury-free technology in mining. There are also corollary programs aimed to promote mining revenue, compliance among miners for increased awareness, and to decrease hazards and conflicts. Hence, there is a need for the following- a ground-to-top reformulation of the law to cater to the needs of the miners and a harmonisation of national laws with international guidelines.

  • mercury-free mining
  • regulations and policies
  • best practices

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.