The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has launched a mobile one-stop shop initiative aimed at bringing small-scale miners into the formal and regulated sector, with the first rollout held over two days in South Cotabato.
The activity marks the pilot implementation of Department Administrative Order No. 2026-08, which provides for the issuance of Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts.
Under the program, government services were delivered directly to mining communities to streamline application processes and improve compliance with regulatory requirements.
More than 340 small-scale miners and stakeholders attended the event, which included participation from several government agencies such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment and the Environmental Management Bureau.
Participants received technical briefings, occupational safety and health training, and guidance on documentary requirements for securing permits and contracts. Demonstrations on responsible and environmentally sound mining practices were also conducted, including safer methods for gold recovery.
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A key outcome of the activity was the awarding of seven Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts covering areas in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, benefiting around 200 miners.
The issuance of these contracts is expected to support the formalization of small-scale mining operations and ensure compliance with environmental, safety and regulatory standards.
The initiative also improved access to formal gold markets. During the event, gold produced by one participating mining group was sold to a buyer accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, demonstrating a more transparent and secure marketing channel for small-scale miners.
The program forms part of broader efforts by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to make government services more accessible while strengthening oversight and accountability in the mining sector.
Following the initial rollout, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau is set to expand the pilot implementation to Agusan del Sur in April, Camarines Norte in May, and Davao de Oro and Benguet in May or June.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna has underscored the need to expand formalization mechanisms for small-scale mining, particularly outside declared Minahang Bayan areas, while ensuring systems remain efficient, inclusive and responsive to community needs.
