July 11, 2026 — Three small-scale mining associations in Itogon have been granted Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts (ISSMCs) by The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-MGB CAR)during a ceremonial awarding held on July 9 at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad.
The interim contracts were awarded to qualified mining associations while they complete the requirements for the issuance of a permanent Small-Scale Mining Contract (SSMC).
The Antamok Loacan Northwall Miners Association (ALNMA), Shianwart Gold Trading, and the Banggawan Gold Ore Miners Associationwere granted temporary authority to conduct small-scale mining operations within the declared Minahang Bayan in Barangay Loacan, Itogon.
The issuance of the interim contracts follows the declaration of the 56-hectare Minahang Bayan in Loacan in 2019, which was approved through the application of the Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners Association (LIPMA). LIPMA later became the first association in the Cordillera Administrative Region to receive a Small-Scale Mining Contract, allowing it to legally operate under the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act.
A Minahang Bayan, or People’s Small-Scale Mining Area, is a government-declared area where qualified small-scale miners are legally allowed to operate under strict environmental, safety, and regulatory standards. It aims to formalize small-scale mining activities, promote responsible mineral extraction, and ensure government oversight while supporting the livelihood of small-scale miners.
Lopez D. Milo
