Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Small-scale mining firms urged to focus on social responsibility
DUE to lack of corporate social responsibility, most small-scale mining operations pose a threat to the environment and to the community.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 observed that a good number of small mining operations do not follow proper sequence in quarrying, do not seek community assistance—especially during post-land use—and do not even rehabilitate the land through vegetation or reforestation.
“This is dangerous to the community, especially when the total area (covered by small-scale mining operations) is much bigger than large-scale mining operations,” said MGB 7 Director Roger de Dios.
In Central Visayas, MGB records show that there are 98 small-scale mining or quarrying permits issued to individuals or
small companies as of May 30, 2008.
At least 56 of these permits are in Cebu Province, particularly in the City of Naga, Consolacion, Cebu City, Carmen, Sogod and Borbon.
Small-scale mining or quarrying are those that cover less than five hectares and rely mainly on manual labor instead of heavy equipment.
De Dios and his staff conducted a plant inspection of the Apo Cement Corp. in the City of Naga last week as part of the activities of the Philippine Environment Month.
“As the government is promoting responsible mining, let us see to it that mining operations, such as that in Apo Cement Corp., are acceptable and socially responsive to the community,” de Dios said.
He lamented, though, that the law requires only local government units (LGUs) to inspect small-scale mining industries while MGB 7’s role is only to monitor and recommend measures to LGUs.
He said some of MGB’s recommendations are not followed because some small-mining operations are backed by politicians.
De Dios admitted, though, that environmental protection and corporate social responsibility have not been fully institutionalized yet among small-scale mining operators.
He said for national policies on small-scale mining, such as the People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991, to be enforced, LGUs have to enact an ordinance and implementing guidelines.
Presently, only the Provincial Government of Oriental Negros, and the City Governments of Cebu and Mandaue have enacted the required ordinances.
He stressed that the provisions of the ordinance cannot be implemented without the implementing guidelines. He cited the case of Bohol.
“There is a great need to further regulate small-scale mining operations. The big companies have been complying with standards,” he said. “We also ask the help of nongovernment organizations that raise concerns about big companies to also look at small-scale mining operations,” he said.
He warned that small-scale mining operations that violate environmental policies will be issued a cease-and-desist order. (NRC)
