DENR to miners: Include UN sustainability goals in dev’t plans
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday said that it required mining companies to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations into their social development and management programs (SDMPs).
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga signed the department administrative order mandating mining firms to incorporate sustainability efforts, including biodiversity conservation and climate action, in their SDMPs.
“We’re also looking at labor practices, gender equity, social services, along with reforestation, rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystems to address biodiversity loss,” Loyzaga said in a statement.
The agency said this initiative aligns with President Marcos’ call for the responsible use of the country’s natural resources for sustainable development.
The move seeks to enhance the well-being of communities hosting mining operations and ensure stronger environmental safeguards.
“The goal is to ensure that the wealth generated from mineral extraction is shared equitably, that ecosystems are protected and that local communities gain empowerment,” she pointed out.
Among the 17-point UN SDGs adopted by all member-countries are on eradicating poverty and hunger; improving health and well-being; quality education; gender equality, clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; and climate action.
Composed of 169 specific targets, the SDG serves as a global blueprint to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality and protect the planet by 2030.
Investment targets
The SDMP is a five-year comprehensive plan mining companies are required to submit and contains projects and programs for the sustained improvement of the living standards of their hosts and neighboring communities in their areas of operation.
Under Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, mining companies and permit holders are required to allocate 1.5 percent of their operating expenses toward SDMPs.
According to the DENR, the newly signed order expands the scope of SDMPs by compelling mining firms to implement programs that address climate change, environmental protection and socioeconomic development.
Of the 1.5-percent allocation, 10 percent is to be dedicated to information, education and communication programs; 15 percent toward advancing mining technology and geosciences; and 75 percent for direct projects implemented by local governments, including infrastructure projects, health centers, water supply systems, scholarships and livelihood programs.
From 2002 to 2027, the total approved SDMP commitment has reached P28 billion, with P17.7 billion allotted from 2002 to 2022. These funds have supported livelihood programs, educational grants, health-care services, public infrastructure, and sociocultural initiatives across various mining communities.
The DENR emphasized that mining companies must now go beyond compliance by actively integrating sustainable development into their operations.
Compliance commitment
Industry players welcomed the latest directive, with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) saying they have been addressing at least 11 of the 17 UN SDGs through its “Towards Sustainable Mining” (TSM) initiative.
“This is on top of the goals that we are already concentrating on with the ESG provisions of our country’s very stringent mining regulatory framework,” COMP chair Michael Toledo said in a Viber message.
“We like to think that we are in tune with the times and our members are ready to contribute their share to meet the global demand for green technologies through sustainable mining practices,” he added.
Listed Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mining practices to help fuel the country’s economic growth while protecting host communities and the environment.
“We are proud to say that we are very much aligned with the UN SDGs through our annual SDMP and (environmental protection and enhancement program), plus our corporate social responsibility programs,” Global Ferronickel president Dante Bravo said in a Viber message.
