Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 79)
Applications for mineral contracts are not allowed in: areas enumerated under Section 19 of RA No. 7942, protected areas under NIPAS, prime agricultural lands including plantations, tourism development areas under the NTDP, and other critical areas identified by DENR.
Only applicants who strictly comply with all pertinent environmental standards, laws, rules, and regulations shall be eligible for the grant of mining rights.
It mandates a review of the performance of existing mining operations by a multi-stakeholder team led by the DENR to ensure compliance with environmental standards and laws, and to take action against violators.
No new mineral agreements shall be entered into until legislation rationalizing existing revenue sharing schemes takes effect, but exploration permits may still be granted.
Mineral Reservations are declared for potential future mining areas with strategic mineral reserves for development of strategic industries after consultation with stakeholders.
The government commits to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and DENR is mandated to establish mechanisms for its operationalization to improve transparency and accountability.
Small-scale mining must comply with RA No. 7076 and PD No. 1586, operate only in declared Minahang Bayan, forbids mercury use, and requires operational Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Boards.
MICC ensures stakeholder dialogue, conducts capacity building, reviews mining laws, creates anti-illegal mining task forces, oversees regulatory boards, and reports implementation status to the President.
LGUs must ensure their ordinances align with national mining laws, can impose reasonable mining limitations, and must receive their equitable share of proceeds from mineral utilization as mandated by law.