MGB: More than a century of championing sustainability in mining and geosciences

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau dates back during the Spanish regime, known as the “Inspeccion General de Minas." It took charge of the administration and disposition of minerals and mineral lands. The Office, however, was abolished on July 1, 1886 but its functions and personnel were merged with the General Directorate of Civil Administration.

1. Directly in charge in the administration and disposition of the country’s mineral lands and mineral resources;
2. Undertake geoscientific surveys and researches in the fields of land and marine geology, mining, mine environment, metallurgy, mineral economics, and mine geodetic surveys;
3. Recommends to the Secretary the granting of Mineral Agreements and endorses to the Secretary, for approval by the President, the granting of Financial or Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAA);

The MGB, as steward of the country's mineral resources, is committed to the promotion of sustainable mineral resources development, aware of its contribution to national economic growth and countryside community development. It fully recognizes that the development of a responsive policy framework in partnership with stakeholders to govern mineral exploration, mining and investment decisions and an effective institutional structure, are fundamental requisites for the sustainable utilization of the country's mineral resources.

MGB envisions a minerals industry that is not only prosperous but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, with broad community and political support while positively and progressively assisting in government’s program on poverty alleviation and contributing to the general economic well being of the nation.

To realize its vision for the industry, MGB subscribes to the core requirements of Sustainable Development as applied to mining and geoscience:

1. Protection and rehabilitation of the environment;
2. Promotion of social and community stability;
3. Preservation of options for future generations; and
4. Competitive and prosperous mining industry.