Mining contributed P810.4b to GDP in 2010

by Florencio P. Narito

LEGAZPI CITY--The mining sector has contributed P810.4 billion to the Gross Domestic Product, a key official said.

Elmer Billedo, assistant

director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said the government has collected P12.5 billion in taxes and royalties in 2010.

He delivered the keynote address of Acting Director Leo Jasareno at the 1st Bicol Mining Conference held on Thursday in La Piazza Convention Hall.

Earlier, anti-mining advocates led by Antonio Casitas of Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Pagmimina at Kumbersyong Agraryo and Felix Paz of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Bicol chapter, held a protest at the convention site.

They pressed for a stop to mining activities amid concern over environmental degradation on top of proceeds being repatriated allegedly by foreign partners of local firms.

?€œWe are for responsible mining and for sustainable development of our natural resources, and MGB strictly implements the laws and regulations under the Mining Act of 1995,?€ Billedo said.

?€œMining is a lifetime commitment. Even after the mining operation has already ended, the mining company is still responsible for the restoration of the mining area.?€

Artemio Disini, chairman and director, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, cited a survey indicating low awareness on the mining industry.

?€œTo remedy this lack of information on mining and its contribution to the economy, we are preparing a communication plan to be spearheaded by the Chamber of Mines together with MGB using the media to reach the grassroots,?€ he said.

Regional director Reynulfo Juan said the regulatory power over small scale mining has been devolved to the governor but the bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources still oversee operations such as the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project.

?€œA mining project is classified as small scale if its capitalization does not exceed P10 million; if it produces not more than 50,000 metric tons of minerals a year and labor intensive,?€ he said.

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