Lifting of silica sand mining ban in Northern Palawan

The directive is issued to support the national economic recovery program through the conservation of foreign exchange reserves and the increase of foreign exchange earnings through the exportation of non-traditional mineral resources.
The directive is issued to improve the economic well-being of the inhabitants of Northern Palawan through the concept of self-employment.
Letter of Instructions No. 1508 gives full meaning to the intents of P.D. 1899, the “Small Scale Mining Decree of 1984.”
The directive restores opportunities for participation by poor sectors of society in the development and exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

The directive lifts the ban on silica sand mining in Northern Palawan.
The lifted ban covers the Calamian Group of Islands.
The lifted ban covers the areas around the Malampaya Sound.
The lifted ban applies to mining activities that are now open to mining location, exploration, development, and exploitation.

Mining location, exploration, development, and exploitation are allowed in the covered areas within the purview of P.D. 1899.
Letter of Instructions No. 1508 requires that the lifting of the ban operate together with P.D. 1899 for the governing regulatory framework for mining in these areas.
The directive treats the covered areas as “open to mining” subject to conditions imposed by the mining permits or licenses.

The lifted ban previously derived from a presidential directive issued on March 22, 1976.
The lifted ban was in effect in Northern Palawan, including the Calamian Group of Islands and areas around Malampaya Sound.
Letter of Instructions No. 1508 removes the effect of that earlier ban in the covered areas.

Mining permits or licenses issued over the covered areas must contain a mandatory condition.
The mandatory condition requires that if mining activities interfere in any manner with oil exploration, development, and exploitation activities, mining activities must be immediately stopped.
Upon such interference, the mining permit or license issued must be cancelled.
The directive mandates that the government shall be free from any lien or liabilities as a result of the action taken under the mandatory condition.