‘Minahang Bayan’ eyed for Benguet small miners

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A measure establishing framework for small scale mining operations is seen to  pave the way for establishment of a “minahang bayan”.

The  Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on mining and energy chaired by board member Apolinario Camsol crafted an ordinance establishing rules for operation of small scale mining and quarrying in the province now up for  second reading.

Camsol said the proposed ordinance if acted upon will benefit  small scale miners.

By then they will be working out their own “Minahang Bayan,” he added.

Among provisions of the local measure are need for prior approval of two sanggunian bodies, procedure in  application  for small scale mining  and quarrying contract, transport of minerals products, seizure and disposition of illegally sourced mineral products, imposition of local taxes and administrative fees, adverse claims, protests and oppositions, fines, prohibitions and penalties.

Republic Act 7076 or the "People's Small-scale Mining Act of 1991", provides that  small-scale mining operations shall be undertaken only within the declared People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas or Minahang Bayan.

It also incorporates a provision on contractors’ obligation on the payment of taxes.

There is still no Minahang Bayan declared in Benguet where there are about 30,000 small scale miners  with their families.