Title
Establishing Small-Scale Mining in the Philippines
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1899
Decision Date
Jan 23, 1984
Presidential Decree No. 1899 promotes and regulates small-scale mining operations in the Philippines, providing guidelines for permits, tax exemptions, and the role of the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences, with the aim of supporting development while ensuring environmental protection and miner welfare.

Law Summary

Eligibility and Application for Small-Scale Mining Permits

  • Holders of valid and existing mining rights can apply
  • Applicants must have complied with existing mining laws prior to this Decree
  • Permit or license valid for two years and renewable for another two years

Production and Reporting Requirements

  • Permittee/licensee must produce ore within 12 months from issuance of the permit/license
  • Must submit verified periodic reports
  • Failure to comply leads to forfeiture of granted rights

Taxation and Exemptions

  • Exempt from all taxes except income tax during the term of the permit/license

Technical Assistance and Administrative Waivers

  • Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences to provide technical assistance when feasible
  • Director of Mines and Geo-Sciences empowered to waive certain government agency requirements deemed unnecessary for proper implementation

Regulation of New Mining Areas and Reservations

  • New or unclaimed mining areas covered under specific implementing rules and regulations
  • Such areas and their immediate vicinity closed to mining location initially
  • Permittee/licensee given first option to locate within such areas under other mining laws within two years
  • Area covered shall not exceed one meridional block

Rulemaking Authority

  • Minister of Natural Resources, upon recommendation of the Director of Mines and Geo-Sciences, shall promulgate necessary rules and regulations

Repeal and Amendment of Conflicting Laws

  • All laws, decrees, orders, and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly

Effectivity

  • The Decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation

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