DENR decentralizes power to issue mineral ore export permits

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now delegating the power to issue mineral or ore export permits to the director and regional directors of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and also to chief executives of provinces and cities. "The thrust of the government is to institutionalize efficiency and transparency in all government transactions," said DENR Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje over the weekend. According to Memorandum Order No. 2010-07, the MGB director shall issue the permit to first-time applicants of the permit. For the MGB regional directors, the delegated authority shall cover minerals or ores sourced from areas covered by all types of mining contracts or permits issued by the DENR, the memo read. The memo also read that in the case of the provincial governors or city mayors, the delegated authority shall cover mineral or ores, excluding tailing. Paje said that mineral and ore export permits issued by the local government shall be submitted to the MGB's regional office for review and confirmation. "The MGB regional office shall finish the review and confirmation process in 48 hours from receipt of the [the permit]. If not acted upon or denied within 48 hours, the [permit] is deemed valid and confirmed," Paje said. All applications for permits shall be filed directly with the MGB director and regional director or concerned provincial governor or city or municipal mayor within 60 calendar days before the actual date of shipment of the minerals or ores. —JE/OMG, GMANews.TV