TO:	The Minister of the Natural Resources The Director of Mines

In view of the need to generate more employment and improve the economic well-being of the inhabitants residing in the rural communities through the exploration, development and exploitation of mineral deposits, more particularly non-metallies, as a cottage industry, the Director of Mines may grant mines special permits to duly qualified applicants upon compliance with the requirements that shall be provided in the rules and regulations to be promulated embracing areas which are now banned from mining operations and those which may later be closed to mining activities.

The Minister of Natural Resources shall, upon the recommendation of the Director of Mines, promulgate such rules and regulations to implement this Letter of Instructions which shall be in force and effect upon approval by the President.

All heads of government agencies/offices whose functions are affected by this Letter of Instructions are hereby directed to coordinate and/or cooperate with the Minister of Natural Resources and or the Director of Mines in the implementation of this Letter of Instructions.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-nine.