SC: LGUs can't impose blanket mining bans

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that local government units (LGUs) cannot declare blanket bans on mining as these violate the Constitution and Republic Act No. 7942.

This decision nullified a 25-year moratorium on large-scale mining in Occidental Mindoro, prompting environmental groups like Alyansa Tigil Mina to argue it sets a bad precedent for conservation efforts.

The Court emphasized that while LGUs can approve or deny individual mining applications based on environmental impacts and community rights, they cannot impose total bans according to the ruling.

Environmental advocacy groups are calling for a balanced interpretation of laws on local autonomy and minerals management, urging public interest law organizations to review the implications for affected communities.

The SC ruling noted that RA 7942 gives LGUs the power to approve or deny individual mining applications based on their effects on the environment, livelihoods, and land rights, but does not authorize blanket bans on all large-scale mining in their area.