I CAN understand Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez’s disgust with the horrid effects of mining to the communities, including those in southern Negros.
Gina inspected two former mining sites, including the open-pit mining left by Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC) in Barangay San Jose, Sipalay.
“From verdant hills, then this huge open pit, crazy!” exclaimed the DENR Secretary. She told Mayor Oscar Montilla that the open pit “will be there for life.”
Well, maybe not. I learned in 2007 from the forestry experts of the Visayas State University in Leyte that forest biodiversity, especially tree stands, can be recovered. That is, if mining companies are willing to invest in rainforestation.
I can agree with Gina willing to invest in rainforestation. I don’t see though that it’s going to happen in the future.
Let’s face it. Extractive industries practice reforestation as more of a public relation stunt rather than to restore ecological balance.
Pollution control? Not on your life.
I can understand Gina’s consternation that MMC caused four mine spills during its heyday. With the spillage, it is the local government that has to take care of it, she said, adding that “it is taxpayer’s money.”
Well, there’s more. I’ve waded through the Sipalay River. I knew right away that the yellowish water is polluted. Probably even toxic.
Supposedly MMC was shut down more than 10 years ago due to labor issues.
Not just labor but environmental. Surrounding farmers filed a case in court against the company and won in the early 1990s. Last I heard from affected farmer litigants, however, the company didn’t pay the damages.
But just to be fair. Still and all, I disagree that the country stops mining altogether. I root for responsible mining.
Unfortunately, I also have to agree with Gina it’s the government’s job to “stop this atrocity” caused by irresponsible mining.
“We have lost the moral authority to govern if we continue to let this happen, it’s wrong,” insists Gina. Amen to that.
(bqsanc@yahoo.com)