philippines

Small-scale miners tackle pertinent issues, amplify urgent call for regulatory reforms:

“The artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector have undeniably contributed to economic growth and employment opportunities. Yet, small-scale miners and women workers face challenging issues, including subsistence conditions, decent work deficits, and non-compliance to occupational safety and standards.” This was the statement of Gil Indino, president of the National Coalition of Small-scale Miners in the Philippines.

Small-scale mining groups across the country gathered together for the Fourth National Assembly of the small-scale miners' coalition to tackle various issues in the sector. Thirty-three associations and organizations participated in the national assembly, which took place on August 2-5, 2023, in Koronadal City.

“For years now, we have been pushing for amendments for years now to the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (PSSMA) and Executive Order No. 79, s. of 2012. While we appreciate the Department of Natural Resources, other agencies, and some lawmakers’ recognition of the limitations and inadequacies of the current formalization of the ASGM and are cognizant of the need for legal and regulatory reforms, it is high time for the current regime to decisively ensure substantive changes in improving the regulatory environment in the country,” added Indino.

Current regulations only allow small-scale mining operations to be undertaken within the declared People’s Small-scale Mining Areas or Minahang Bayan. However, various fiscal and administrative barriers prevent the easy formalization of small operators with limited resources and a limited understanding of bureaucratic procedures. Notwithstanding current laws for formalization, small-scale mining remains largely informal.

“We commend and highlight the efforts of miners’ and workers’ organizations in working towards responsible mining. Small-scale mining associations and cooperatives have been committed to promoting the rights of small-scale miners and workers and fostering engagement with various government agencies and local government units. We have documented good and innovative practices of mining associations in terms of environmental protection, elimination of child labor, and occupational safety and health,” said Jose Anayo Jr., chairman of the board of the national coalition.

The environmental justice group BAN Toxics has been instrumental in the establishment of the national coalition and currently assumes the coalition’s secretariat work. “BAN Toxics highly appreciates the outcome of the assembly. We have been closely working with ASGM communities in different parts of the country and remain committed to pushing for initiatives to uplift the welfare of the sector,” said Rey San Juan, BAN Toxics’ executive director.