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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Maxey: Battle over mining
By Ram Maxey
Bar None
THE controversy over the mining operations of an Australian firm on Rapu-Rapu Island isn't going anywhere unless both sides in the great debate settle the dispute based on correct technical data, not built-in bias.
One side led by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes blames the mining firm Lafayette for two incidents of fish kills in their area allegedly caused by tailings spillage containing mercury. This was the finding of a nine-member fact-finding commission headed by Bastes, which recommended closure of the mining operations.
The commission's report was assailed by Lafayette management, which claimed that the study was unscientific and flawed.
Malacañang has rejected the commission's recommendation, and there the matter rests.
Bishop Bastes said he would write a "strongly-worded" letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for ignoring the commission's recommendation. But such a letter is no guarantee that the President will change her stand on the Rapu-Rapu controversy in particular, and the mining industry in general.
For the sake of credibility, the Bastes commission should have included representatives from Lafayette and competent technical people from government as well as independent bodies. It may be noted that Bishop Bastes has all along been against mining operations in his area of responsibility as shepherd of his Catholic flock. How could he have been expected to be neutral during the course of the study?
The bishop further showed his bias by going beyond the alleged fish kills by demanding for a review of the Mining Act, specially its provisions on ownership and management of mining companies and operations.
The alleged fish kills were only the opening salvo of what appears to be a decisive battle between the government and anti-mining forces led by religious groups allied with so-called "progressive" forces, the latter being in reality against progress of any kind.
The battle is far from over.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 24, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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