Environment Secretary Ramon Paje says no to a review of the list of mining “no-go” zones, proposed by Mines and Geosciences Bureau head Leo Jasareno.
Paje rejected the proposed review in a text message sent to ANC.
Jasareno said an on-the-ground review was needed after four small scale miners said there were inaccuracies in the list.
The list was released in 2012 as part of President Aquino’s plan to improve environmental protection and boost revenue.
Among the “no-go” zones for mining are areas specified under RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, protected areas, prime agricultural lands, tourism areas, island ecosystems and other areas.
The government says it will soon submit its new mining industry tax plan, which some players say will make the country uncompetitive and discourage investment.
