AS THE Mining Act of 1995 marks its 30th year, Bayan Muna Mindanao reiterates its urgent call to repeal this destructive law, citing its devastating impacts on the environment, economy, and communities in Mindanao. The party-list urges lawmakers to support the People’s Mining Bill (PMB) as a pro-people and pro-environment alternative that ensures genuine national industrialization and sustainable resource management.
Former Congresswoman Eufemia C. Cullamat said “since its enactment, the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942) has allowed large-scale mining corporations—both foreign and local—to exploit the country’s mineral resources at the expense of the environment and indigenous communities. In Mindanao, open-pit mining, deforestation, and toxic waste spills have caused irreversible ecological damage, worsening the effects of natural disasters such as floods and landslides.”
A 2015 study by IBON Foundation revealed that mining operations covered a total of 948,209 hectares of land in Mindanao. By 2023, there were already 47 approved Mineral Production and Sharing Agreements (MPSA), affecting more than 123,805 hectares of land. These mining operations have encroached on the ancestral lands of indigenous groups, including the Manobo, Banwaon, Subanen, T’boli, B’laan, Matigsalug, Mandaya, and Mamanwa.
In addition, Cullamat emphasized “the majority of MPSAs in Mindanao account for more than half of all mining permits issued in the region. However, reports from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII (2023) indicate that many of these MPSAs were approved without the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples, raising serious legal and ethical concerns. Additionally, a study by Cariño & Dekdeken (2019) found that at least 230 out of 447 approved mining applications were within ancestral territories, covering 542,245 hectares—which represents 72% of the total 748,590 hectares allocated for mining projects.”
Notorious mining disasters in the country’s history whose environmental consequences remain evident today. More recently, mining operations in Surigao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and South Cotabato have led to massive deforestation, landslides, and river contamination, depriving farming and fishing communities of their livelihoods. The severe flooding and landslides that have hit Mindanao in recent years have been worsened by the environmental destruction caused by large-scale mining.
Bayan Muna Mindanao leader Cullamat expressed outrage over the continued exploitation of indigenous lands. “We have not learned our lesson. The plunder of ancestral lands continues. What’s even more infuriating is that recently, the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) for the Tampakan project was extended for another six years, until 2038.”
Cullamat emphasized that, among other large mining projects, the Tampakan project has brought devastation to many indigenous communities and small farmers. According to a study by Defend Tampakan, a civil-religious alliance opposing the project, the effects of mining in the area have been severe.
The Tampakan project is considered the largest untapped copper and gold mine in Southeast Asia. It spans 10,000 hectares, overlapping the ancestral lands of five (5) tribal councils of the B’laan people. As a result of this project, approximately 5,000 individuals will be displaced, forcing them to abandon their forests—their source of food, medicine, and sacred spaces for spiritual practices.
Farmers and irrigators in the affected areas have also voiced their concerns, fearing that their livelihoods will be destroyed due to water depletion and contamination caused by mining activities.
Despite claims that mining contributes to economic growth, the industry has mainly enriched foreign corporations and a few local elites, while indigenous peoples and farmers have been left to suffer the consequences. Mining operations in Mindanao have resulted in the loss of ancestral lands, environmental degradation, and increased militarization. Meanwhile, communities affected by mining remain among the poorest in the country, with no significant improvements in infrastructure, employment, or access to social services.
“The resistance of indigenous peoples against large mining and extractive projects has been met with militarization and repression. Instead of addressing their legitimate grievances, the government has responded with fear, conflict, and the forced displacement of indigenous communities from their ancestral lands. This has led to serious human rights violations, further exacerbating the struggles of Lumad and peasant communities.” Cullamat said.
The administration of President Marcos Jr. has introduced policies that have further worsened the plight of indigenous peoples, workers, and farmers.
Under his administration, indigenous peoples’ rights have been suppressed, significantly affecting their communities. The implementation of counter-insurgency measures and the Anti-Terrorism Law has escalated militarization in Bangsamoro and Lumad communities, hindering their participation in peacebuilding efforts.
Cullamat said, “we are very saddnned that the Marcos Jr. administration has also prioritized economic interests over the welfare of marginalized communities. Ancestral lands belonging to Lumad and Moro groups have been targeted for large-scale economic projects under the New National Security Plan, leading to widespread displacement.”
Bayan Muna Mindanao asserts that it is time to replace the Mining Act of 1995 with the People’s Mining Bill (PMB)—a legislative measure that prioritizes national industrialization, environmental protection, and the rights of local communities. Unlike the current mining policy, which favors foreign investors, the PMB aims to create a mining industry that truly serves national development, safeguards the environment, and upholds the rights of indigenous peoples and other affected communities.
“As the Philippines faces worsening climate disasters, biodiversity loss, and economic hardships, Bayan Muna Mindanao calls on Congress to immediately repeal the Mining Act of 1995 and pass the People’s Mining Bill. The people of Mindanao will not stand idly by as their lands are plundered and their future destroyed. We urge environmental advocates, workers, farmers, and indigenous communities to unite in the fight for just, sustainable, and people-centered mining policies.” Cullamat ended.
Bayan Muna Mindanao stands firm in its call to abolish the Mining Act of 1995 and push for the People’s Mining Bill. We call on all sectors—workers, farmers, indigenous communities, and environmental advocates—to unite in the struggle for a just, sustainable, and people-centered mining industry. The fight for environmental and social justice must continue!
- Bayan Muna Mindanao