The main function of the Minerals Development Council (MDC) is to boost the government’s target in securing a total of $6 billion in mining investments in the next few years, said DENR Secretary Michael T. Defensor.

Under Executive Order 469, MDC is composed of key officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DoF), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

MDC will serve as a "one-stop-shop" with primary responsibility of attending to the needs of the investors in the minerals industry.

It will perform the following specific tasks — coordinate national agencies and local government units in order to harmonize investment-related requirements and procedures; and facilitate investments in the minerals industry.

MDC will also assist mining investors by providing them information, guidance, direction and solutions to their investment problems; reviews all aspects in mining investments, including coming up with short-term and long-term measures for the sector’s sustainability.

It is also tasked to advise the President on effective solutions to problems confronting the entry of mining investments into the country; promote investments in the minerals industry; and prepare and submit reports to the President on the status of investments in the minerals industry.

Regional Mineral Development Councils will also be created in key regions where there are priority mineral development projects as determined by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR.