AO 2010-09 now requires classification and standard reporting of mineral exploration results,
mineral resources and ore reserves

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued recently Administrative Order No. 2010-09 requiring mining contractors, permittees and operators to classify and follow standard reporting system for mineral exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves. 

Issued on March 15,2010 and signed by DENR Secretary Horacio C. Ramos, the Order aimed to harmonize and streamline the entire reporting process related to mineral exploration results while providing basis for a more expeditious evaluation and development of mining projects.

The Order is in agreement with the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code which requires the implementation of global standard in public reporting aside from the fact that the resulting report is easy to understand and acceptable to local and foreign investors since it is used by various mining industries worldwide and the standard reporting and classification will promote transparency, competence and professionalism.

The Order provides that the report shall be prepared and signed by a “Competent Person” who is either a licensed geologist, a mining engineer or a metallurgical engineer in good standing with a minimum experience of five years in the field of his undertaking and duly accredited by the concerned professional organization.

The Order further provides that a mineral and ore reserves database shall be established in the central and regional offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to serve as repository of all exploration and related data from mining projects for national and regional policy and planning studies, monitoring and research purposes and accessible to the public.

The Order, however applies only to solid and non-energy mineral resources and provides standard use of terminologies and statement in prospecting reports and reports for the results in preliminary exploration activities.(LDVJune01,10)