In the environmental and social fronts, it is envisaged to achieve the above-cited long goal through a progressive shift from conventional mineral resources management approach to a regime of self-regulation.

The conventional way of managing mineral resources entails a formal “command and control” method of regulation characterized by its prescriptive nature. Under this regime, work programs and expenditure commitments in occupational health and safety, environmental and social management, are prescribed for each stage of mining operations and reviewed, evaluated, approved and monitored/audited by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. While popularly used in Government, this approach is inadequate, inflexible and ineffective and not the cheapest tool for management.

To be effective, the conventional approach needs full government support at the local and national levels. There should be well-defined roles of the large, medium and small-scale mining sectors. There should also be recognition of multinational corporations with proven track record as pacesetters in modern technologies in exploration, environmental management, corporate social culture and experience in the application of innovative technologies. It also needs a strong linkage with international organizations and active participation in international initiatives to learn and share and be part in developing international consensus and response to common issues on mining.

Then a stage of co-regulation comes in requiring the development of an appropriate policy mix from the traditional regulatory approach and a host of complementary approaches such as voluntary and non-regulatory initiatives and economic instruments. At this stage, it is envisioned that MGB should have transferred all its regulatory functions in environment and social management to the MGB regional offices. MGB central office will undertake policy review and development, research and oversight functions. On the other hand, the industry shall demonstrate attitudinal change based on the highest degree of professionalism, responsibility and accountability. This change can be achieved through:

• integration of environmental, social and economic considerations into decision-making and management; consistent with the objectives of sustainable development;
• openness, transparency and improved accountability through public environmental reporting and engagement with the community;
• compliance with statutory requirements as a minimum;
• partnership with non-government organization and other stakeholders to promote and achieve excellence in environmental and social;
• development and transfer of innovative approaches to improving efficiency in resources development and in production processes.

To be successful, the co-regulation stage needs retrofitting of local operating mines and quarries and the management of public health and safety and environmental risks associated with abandoned/inactive mines and their cost-effective transformation to pre-determined end-use acceptable to local communities and other stakeholders.

The final stage would be an informal, self-regulating regime where both Government and industry work together for:

• a socially accepted minerals industry demonstrating a track record or good corporate practice and engaged in enduring relationships with stakeholders;
• a self-regulating minerals industry driven by industry initiatives, dedication to continual improvement and commitment to Best Practice and sustainable development;

The current efforts by the government to revitalize the Philippine minerals industry is not meant merely to create new economic opportunities but also to prove that mining as a development option for the country can be both responsible and sustainable and pro-people and pro-environment in sustaining wealth creation and improved quality of life.