MINING is not bad. This was the sentiment expressed by Regional Development Council (RDC)-Davao Region chair Vicente Lao in an interview with Sun.Star after a recent study of the Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC) showed that mining is one of the sources of conflict in Mindanao.

The study of the BUC, which was conducted in answer to the request of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the religious group to lead a community-based consultation all over Mindanao as part of the peace efforts, showed that mining has caused conflict in the regions of Caraga, Northern Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and in Southern Mindanao.

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The BUC even recommended to the President to "avoid development projects that lead to conflict, e.g. mining."

"It depends on what sector you are looking from," Lao said citing a popular adage on whether the glass is half full or half empty. "If you are looking from the religious and non-governmental sector, it will really be bad."

In a mining area, there are always reports of displacements, harassments, and abuses especially on the indigenous groups.

"This all boils down to the social acceptability of a project, if it is properly addressed, mining will not be bad," Lao said. "It will be a source of opportunities."

The mining sector is one of the leading industries that have spurred Mindanao's economic growth, second only to high valued crops. The island is also home to the country's largest gold, nickel, copper ore, and manganese reserves.

The RDC has been one of the more active advocates of the promotion of mining in Mindanao, insisting that if mining is done properly and responsibly, it will be an industry beneficial for all stakeholders.