Sustainable Mine Closure and Decommissioning Program slide image

Sustainable Mine Closure and Decommissioning Program

product (GDP) and comprises 5.6 percent of the total exports 4. Conclusions and Recommendations of the Philippines. One critical use of Table 3. Suggestions for a Sustainable Mine Closure and Decommissioning Program* Responses More participation % RRMI Barangays FRC Barangays Frequency* % Frequency* in meetings and discussions 20 66.7 27 90.0 Clear cut policies are provided for the program 25 83.3 26 86.7 Transparency should be observed in all aspects 24 80.0 25 83.3 Facilitate release of funds for social projects 28 93.3 Participatory 27 90.0 29 24 96.7 80.0 planning and implementation of program * Multiple Response 22 the mineral accounts is in the analysis for an appropriate fiscal policy cconsidering its small contribution to the economy and the contentious debate on mining and its links with issues on land-use, environment and social acceptability. In terms of the proposed use of mine facilities and equipment's after mine closure and the suggestions for a sustainable mine closure and decommissioning program in the mining sites, Table 2 and Table 3 reflects the respondent's views, respectively. Table 4. Expectations from LGU to Achieve the Sustainable Mine Closure/Decommissioning* 66.7 Responses RRMI Barangays Frequency % FRC Barangays Frequency % Assist and support the planning process 15 50.0 20 Asserts that mine company follows the law 9 30.0 12 40.0 Prioritize SDMP projects from mining company 18 60.0 15 50.0 Participates in the process 17 56.7 19 63.3 Coordinates with various stakeholders 20 66.7 23 76.7 * Multiple Response and The expectations from the Local Government Unit (LGU) to achieve a sustainable mine closure decommissioning plan or mechanism was also asked and majority of the answers of the respondents covering the two mining sites focused on the coordination with various stakeholders, to assist and support the closure planning process and the prioritization of the SDMP projects as reflected in Table 4. Although these were emphasized prior to the FMRDP, some respondents however, may not be familiar of the rightful process for the sustainable closure and decommissioning but are aware of how things can be properly managed. Assessment result showed that in both Rapu-Rapu and Aroroy mining sites are compliant with the provisions of the Philippine Mining Act 1995, however, much has to be desired in terms of stakeholder participation and community engagements for sustainability at the start of planning for operations to have a proactive perspective for the future mine decommissioning and closure. In the case of RRMI, while it has complied with the minimum requirements cited in the legal provisions, such are not sustainable in terms of economic and social continuity. This is because, what has been laid down at the outset, prior to the closure phase primarily focused on the SDMP project planning and implementation and not much on the decommissioning aspects. This features how the structures and facilities will be able to serve in favour of the impact communities directly and indirectly affected by mining. Facilities and infrastructures built to support the mining operations is worth millions of pesos, yet lesser community interventions were undertaken to pave way to their involvement, participation and decisions. It is therefore recommended that the following mining policies to achieve a sustainable decommissioning and closure be made: 1) The development programs as an output of the consultations and legal processes implemented to establish the SDMP of the impact barangays should be integrated as a development roadmap subject of the LGUs for regular review, monitoring and evaluation; 2) Mine closure planning must be integrated within the overall mine operations plan, and should be integral to the operational life cycle of a mine to include: (a) Mine Closure Planning at the feasibility phase of mine operations, which allows mining operations to identify future constraints and costs of mine closure; (b) Financial provisions and assurances; (c) stakeholder engagement and community consultation needs to be integrated within the overall mine operations and closure processes; (d) clear and measurable indicators are needed to track compliance; 3) The organizational transformation of the DENR, specifically the MGB and the EMB of the DENR, where a regulatory structure should be rationalized. Currently, the MGB is under the DENR, as well as the EMB. The research strongly recommends for the creation of another government agency like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where the function of which should focus on the Regulatory, Monitoring and Evaluation of mining and other industries' operations and activities, and for which the EMB should be a part. A specialized Bureau, like a Mining Regulatory Authority, that will regulate mining practices, policies and procedures compliant to the Mining Act of 1995 and other legislative policies and protocols. Consequently, the regulatory body should also employ the services of soil scientists as part of the regulatory functions on hazardous wastes brought about by mining operations, or in close collaboration with, but not limited to, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and with the Department of Agriculture to help ensure sustainability of resources; and 4) Finally, there is a need to thoroughly study the equitable distribution of taxes paid by the industry to ensure the greatest possible benefit for the host community who in most suffer from the consequences of environmental alteration and modifications from mining industry. case CEST2017_01078
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