Concessions to exploit, explore give Energy & Mines a busy year

Santo Domingo.- Energyand Mines minister Antonio Isa Conde on Wednesday said 44 administrative resolutionson concessions to explore and exploit metal and nonmetal minerals have been issuedfrom May 2015 to June 2016, during which seven protocols and regulations havebeen developed to establish rules in the sector.

He said the agency this year has focused on bolstering theregulatory framework and strict compliance of the law to grant or denyconcessions, promoting responsible and sustainable mining.

The official said of the 21 mineral exploration concessionsgranted, 15 were administrative decisions; three were disapproved; one issued amining concession; two were expired; one authorizes resumed mining operations andanother nullified an exploitation concession.

Isa added that in litigation Mines and Energy attorneys haveattended 60 hearings on 50 proceedings and administrative disputes, 42 cases ofreviews to relocate land, six of which the Ministry won, with 11 casefiles pendinga ruling.