The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) maintains that tree cutting in legitimate mining operations is permitted only when fully compliant with Philippine laws and regulations and supported by all required government permits and approvals. Mining companies are subject to strict environmental oversight and must meet comprehensive regulatory requirements designed to protect and restore forest ecosystems throughout the life of a mining project.
“Philippine mining and environmental laws require mining companies to implement progressive rehabilitation, reforestation, and environmental protection programs, which are closely monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), COMP chairman Michael Toledo said. “Companies must restore and enhance forest cover throughout the life of a mining project and beyond under some of the country’s most stringent environmental regulations.”
Companies are required to plant 50 seedlings for every planted tree affected by authorized mining activities, and 100 seedlings for every naturally growing tree.
“Naturally growing trees must be replaced with indigenous species, and companies must fund the maintenance and protection of planted seedlings for at least three years to help ensure their survival,” Toledo added.
The industry, he said, is also a major contributor to national reforestation efforts through the Mining Forest Program.
According to MGB data as of end-2025, the mining industry has planted more than 74 million seedlings across nearly 56,000 hectares nationwide, with survival rates of over 90 percent or higher in many mining areas. Based on historical MGB data, the industry’s annual nationwide output is calculated to be at least 3 million trees under rehabilitation, reforestation, and environmental enhancement programs, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
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This article is a media release of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
For more information about responsible mining, please visit www.chamberofmines.com.ph.
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Photo credit: Forest by Dawei Metal - https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/926967535817749503/
