The EO also expands the areas that are closed to mining to include prime agricultural lands and fishery zones; tourism development areas identified under the National Tourism Development Plan; and other critical areas and island ecosystems identified by the DENR.
On the issue of small-scale mining, the EO stated that pursuant to RA 7076 (People's Small Scale Mining Act of 1991), small-scale mining operations are only allowed in areas declared as "Minahang Bayan."
"Small-scale mining shall not be applicable for metallic minerals except gold, silver and chromite," the EO stated.
The use of mercury is also prohibited in small-scale mining.
The Philippines sits on an estimated $1 trillion worth of untapped mineral resources - mostly gold, nickel and copper.
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