A GROUP of mining companies lobbying for "responsible mining" said that there is still low "social acceptability" of mining operations in the country.
Engr. Constancio Paye, Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region (Armor) 11 President, said in a press conference that they had been enjoining their members, composed of 10 companies in the region, to comply with the provisions set by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and by the Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act signed by the late President Fidel Ramos.
However, various environmental groups continue to call on the government to close the operation of all mining sites in the country due to its negative impact on the environment.
"Usa kana sa issue sa (That is one of the issues of) responsible mining. Sa pagkakaron (As of now), ang mining, we are not only talking about economics, and environmental protections. Usa sa mga concern sa (One of the concerns of) mining operation is the social acceptability. Usa kana ka dakong problema sa industriya (That is one of the problems of the industry)," Paye said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference on Monday, August 15.
The mining advocate explained that the country has mineral resources, particularly gold, copper, nickel, and chromite, which he said is worth a total of $843 billion.
"It's just a matter of how we could develop those mineral resources so as not to adversely impact our environment," he said.
In addition, he said there is a growing demand for products needing these minerals.
Engr. Loi Castillo, Armor 11 Board of Director, said their group had been engaging with different stakeholders of the community where there are mining or exploration projects, through information and education campaigns.
He added that there are other far-flung areas in the country, wherein farming is not viable due to the land's high mineral content.
Castillo also said they ensure that local government units are involved in their planning.
"Some areas in Davao Region can be included in the long-term urban development planning, especially in areas which are mineralized," he said.
Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) Environmental Research Specialist Lemuel Manalo previously told SunStar Davao that the government should be looking for other industries to venture into for income generation, rather than mining.
This is in relation to the possible resumption of mining operations of Austral-Asia link Mining Corporation and Hallmark Mining Corporation in Barangay Macambol, Mati City, which would have a detrimental effect on Davao Oriental’s tourism industry, particularly on Mt. Hamiguitan, a Unesco heritage site.
"Especially that Mati has three protected areas, they are very blessed with this landscape and rich biodiversity. They should not venture into mining," Manalo said.
However, the Mati government assured that the mining operations in Barangay Macambol will not cause environmental impacts since protective policies are in place
According to the Philippine Statistics Office and Regional Development Council in Davao Region (RDC-Davao), mining and quarrying industry posted the fastest recovery growth in 2021 at 22 percent, which contributed greatly to the 9.9 percent growth of the industry sector. RGL