1 jjj) Small-scale mining p e rm it- permit issued for small-scale mining; 2 kkk) Strategic minerals - 3 minerals needed for national industrialization, including rural development; 4 III) Tailings Disposal System o r Tailings P lacem ent- the method wherein the 5 waste from mining operations are dumped, placed, or disposed; 6 mmm) Traditional small-scale mining - small-scale mining using traditional 7 means and without the use of chemical or mechanized extraction and 8 separation means, methods, implements, and/or equipment; 9 nnn) Watershed continuum — shall refer to an area consisting of the 10 watershed and its divide including its connection from the headwaters to 11 the reef or a land area drained by a stream or a fixed body of water and 12 with tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff. It is the 13 system by which the mining-affected communities shall be determined 14 following the drainage of a stream or fixed body of water with tributaries 15 having a common outlet for surface runoff; 16 ooo) Wildlife - undomesticated forms and varieties of flora and fauna. 17 18 19 20 CHAPTER IV OWNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE 21 Sec. 21. Authority o f the Bureau. - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau shall be a 22 scientific research institution under the Department of Environment and Natural 23 Resources (DENR) primarily conducting and developing research of mineral resources 24 and mining technologies and training of local communities, local government units and 25 indigenous peoples. It shall also regulate the operations of persons involved in mining 26 activities. It shall also work with the Multi-Sectoral Mineral Council in the monitoring of 27 mining activities. 28 Sec. 22. Regional offices. - The Bureau shall have as many regional offices in the 29 country as may be established by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the 30 Director. 31 Sec. 23. Bureau as repository o f information. - The Bureau shall be the central 32 repository of information regarding mineral lands, resources, permits, studies and other 33 information relevant to the operation of a mine, including the necessary requirements 34 which a contractor is obliged to submit. All other governmental offices and other bodies 35 created under this Act shall copy furnish the Bureau of all other information related to 36 mining. 37 Sec. 24. Recording system. - There shall be established a national and regional 16