Section 55. Minerals Processing Permit. —

No person shall engage in the processing of minerals without first securing a minerals processing permit from the Secretary. Minerals processing permit shall be for a period of five (5) years renewable for like periods but not to exceed a total term of twenty-five (25) years. In the case of mineral ores or minerals produced by the small-scale miners, the processing thereof as well as the licensing of their custom mills, or processing plants shall continue to be governed by the provisions of Republic Act No. 7076.