The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable development of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities in the developing world, through its planetGOLD Philippines project in Brgy. Fidelisan, Sagada, Mountain Province, officially turned over the mercury-free processing system (MFPS) facility located in Bangaan during a special ceremony held last February 3, Monday.
During the event, Miss Abigail Ocate, the National Project Manager of PlanetGOLD Philippines, awarded ownership of the MFPS facility to the Northern Sagada Barangays Miners Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI) through its president Joseph Patil-ao Jr.
Northern Sagada Barangays Miners Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI) President Joseph Patil-ao Jr.
Atty. Dante Cambrì, who leads the Gold Buying Section at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) North Luzon, also announced that the NSBSSMAI is now officially registered with BSP. This accreditation allows the Central Bank to directly purchase gold from the association, subject to its meeting certain requirements and standards.
According to Atty. Cambrì, Republic Act 11256, also known as “An Act to Strengthen the Country’s Gross International Reserves,” exempts gold sales made by registered small-scale miners from taxation. He also emphasized the importance of registration for small-scale miners.
Patil-ao Jr. of the NSBSSMAI highlighted the positive impact of small-scale mining on the local community, noting that it provides employment for approximately 300 individuals. He also expressed gratitude to planetGOLD Philippines for funding the establishment of the new processing facility and for providing training and guidance to ASGM miners to ensure safe operations.
Women’s invaluable contributions to the ASGM sector were also highlighted during the event.
NSBSSMAI is the first small-scale mining association in Mountain Province to receive BSP registration.
