MORE mineral processing plants must be established, and full utilization of “rare” earth deposits must be carried out to help increase the country’s mineral production and revenue generation.

This was stressed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna, saying that mineral processing plants make the mined mineral ready for application.

Sampulna cited limestone as an example wherein he said that if processed, it will become cement, which is ready to use for construction.

“If we have more of these plants and more minerals will be processed in the country, then its value will increase even more than 100%, and lesser raw materials will be shipped out to other countries, like Japan or China,” he said.

The DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued 108 mineral processing permits, most of which are for construction materials.

He also proposed identifying rare earth elements (REEs), such as scandium and yttrium, in operating mines.

Sampulna, the former DENR undersecretary for mining, said that these metals are “essential” for many high-technology devices.

“The Philippines is conducive to these minerals. It could contribute to the national government by identifying and utilizing these commodities. To date, only a few operating mines have identified REEs,” he said.

Sampulna cited that a proposed iron mineral processing plant in Zamboanga had its groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, to support the DENR’s initiatives toward the self-utilization of mineral commodities in the country.

“We hope that investors will push for opening more processing plants in the Philippines,” he said.

He also assured Filipinos that the DENR will continue “strengthening” its regulation and monitoring of mining operations to ensure sustainable and responsible mineral production in the country.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cory Martinez