by Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.

The Mines and Geosciences and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Director Isabelo Montejo noted that because mining and quarrying have significant and growing roles in economic development. “we cannot prevent mining and quarrying but we should be responsible.”

MGB 7 Director Loreto Alburo is looking for a stronger coordination with LGUs and local civil society sectors to report illegal activities in the region.

Small-scale mining operations, or those activities that rely mainly on manual labor and use simple implements, are regulated by the LGUs while large-scale mining is under the supervision and regulation by the bureau. (Source: Manila Bulletin)