COMP urges LGUs to lift mining bans following SC ruling

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) is urging local government units (LGUs) to lift mining bans, citing a Supreme Court decision that nullified a similar ban in Occidental Mindoro.

COMP stated that the Supreme Court's ruling clarifies that local government mining moratoriums conflict with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the Constitution.

This decision is expected to provide a stable policy direction to support the growth of the local mining sector and attract investments.

The industry group highlighted Palawan's 50-year ban on new mining applications as another example of a restriction that could potentially be lifted following the Supreme Court's jurisprudence.

COMP believes that aligning local government actions with national policies is crucial for the Philippines to be a predictable and consistent place for investments.

The organization also affirmed its respect for the autonomy of LGUs and their right to reject specific mining projects that violate local ordinances, provided these ordinances do not contradict national mining laws.