The recent pronouncement of the local government of Mati that it cannot stop the entry of mining in Davao Oriental is nothing but a lame excuse and could be playing blind on the track record of the BHP Billiton.

If the local government is looking for a clean track record of any mining company that will operate in their area, then they are wrong in allowing the BHP Billiton to operate in the Hamiguitan mountain range, which is a declared protected area. Continue Reading »

While it’s good to hear that DENR Sec. Lito Atienza finally opened his mouth on the mining issues, it’s still not enough to give him two thumbs up because it’s very “selective.” What about the large-scale mining firms?

In newspapers reports today, Atienza warned the small-scale miners to have their permits suspended if they are violating the rules or going beyond their production limits.

Why foucs on the production issue? What about the issues affecting the communities? Like human rights violations and environmental issues ?

The DENR should also look as to how both small-scale and large-scale mining companies obtain their consent from the host communities. As well as to how mining companies are luring the indigenous peoples in securing free prior inform consent (FPIC) from them.

That’s more laudable and humane than just looking into the production issues.

DENR to go after small-scale miners exceeding yield cap

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will start investigating the alleged violation being committed by small-scale mining companies that allegedly exceed their production limits in violation of the permits granted them by local government units (LGUs). DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said he would not hesitate to penalize and stop the operation of abusive small-scale mining companies found guilty of abusing the conditions of their permits.