Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) · DAO 2026-08
Issuance of Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts
DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-08
Subject: Issuance of Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts
Published: Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 3, 2026; Acknowledged: ONAR, UP Law Center, March 4, 2026
Legal Basis
Executive Order No. 192 (1987), RA 7076 (People's Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991), and DAO No. 2022-03 (Revised IRR of RA 7076).
Objectives
To formalize small-scale mining, promote equitable use of mineral resources, generate local livelihood, and strengthen the sale of gold for domestic reserves, while ensuring compliance with safety, health, environmental, and social standards.
Scope
All persons undertaking or intending to undertake small-scale mining within a declared Minahang Bayan and registered with the Board under Section 6 of DAO No. 2022-03.
Key Provisions
- Applicants register with the Board, submit Form No. SSM-01, and pay a PhP10,000 application fee.
- Applicants may submit a Letter of Intent for an Interim SSMC over the same area, with a Work Program following Annex A.
- Upon verification of Filipino citizenship and location within a declared Minahang Bayan, the Board (or the MGB Regional Director as its authorized representative) may issue an Interim SSMC granting the right to extract and process minerals for a non-renewable, non-extendable term of two years.
- The holder must immediately begin complying with SSMC application requirements, RA 7076, and other applicable laws; extraction and processing are confined to the covered area.
- Compliance, including work programs and gold sales to the BSP or its accredited traders, is monitored.
- Interim SSMC applications are accepted only within two years from the Order's effectivity.
- Grounds for cancellation and denial of the SSMC application include violation of Interim SSMC terms, non-implementation of work programs, and non-compliance with the Order.
Effectivity
Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication and upon filing of three certified copies with ONAR and the UP Law Center.
Signed by Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla. Source: official DENR issuance (DAO-2026-08).
Important Notice
EnviSynergy exercises due diligence in researching and summarizing this policy. This summary is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice or an official interpretation of the issuance. The policy may have been amended, superseded, or clarified after publication, and this summary may not capture every provision of the original text. For the complete, accurate, and most current version, users are advised to consult the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or the relevant issuing agency directly before making any compliance or project decision.
Policy Details
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