The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is no longer accepting and processing all types of new mining applications filed before the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, in his memorandum, a copy of which was sent to the DAILY STAR by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Ma. Aleta Nunez yesterday, said he suspended the processing of mining applications, in compliance with the order of President Benigno Aquino III to impose a temporary ban on mining.

This was also after Aquino issued Executive Order 23 directing a nationwide total log ban, following recent massive flooding in several areas of the country, including the third district of Negros Occidental.

"This is to ensure that the ongoing cleansing of mining applications shall be successfully implemented pursuant to existing DENR guidelines," Paje, in Memorandum Order 1-2011, said.

Several mining companies had earlier informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental of their scheduled mining explorations, especially in mineral-rich southern Negros that were already approved by MGB.

Records of the MGB in Western Visayas show that there are 45 mining rights applications pending for Negros Occidental alone.

The memorandum order covers all applications for exploration permits, mineral production sharing agreements, financial for technical assistance agreements, and industrial sand and gravel permits.

Last month, the SP passed a resolution opposing existing and future applications for mining exploration permits, lease contracts and agreements in Negros Occidental for the next 25 years. The SP resolved to adopt a standing policy to deny any request and not to endorse any existing or future mining projects.

Paje said the memorandum order shall remain in force until revoked in writing.

The Negros Association of Chief Executives hailed President Aquino’s issuance of EO 23 directing a nationwide total log ban, saying it will benefit Negros Occidental.

The Negros ACE earlier called for a total log ban in Negros Occidental, because of unabated timber poaching and illegal charcoal making in the remaining forest cover of the province.*GPB

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