'Anti-mining protests sending wrong signals to investors'

MANILA, Philippines - The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Inc. (CMP) warned yesterday that continued protests by some anti-mining groups “would send a wrong signal to investors interested in putting capital not only in mining, but in other ventures as well.”

Nelia Halcon, CMP executive vice president, find it “very strange for Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) to urge President Arroyo to scuttle the Mining Philippines 2009 conference and exhibit scheduled from Sept. 15 to 17 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.”

The three-day mining conference will discuss developments in the mining sector not only in the Philippines, but also in other Asian countries.

Halcon said ATM, has threatened to picket the venue of the conference.

Halcon warned that any protest action “would send a wrong signal to investors interested in putting in capital not only in mining but in other ventures as well.”

The Mining Philippines 2009 conference and exhibition is organized with the support of the Minerals Development Council (MDC) under the Office of the President, as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Contrary to the allegations of ATM that the industry has been destroying the environment, Halcon said mining companies have been religiously complying with the requirements of the DENR and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), particularly on Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of communities where mining companies operate.

Mining firms, Halcon explained, have been working with local government units (LGUs) on projects that generate livelihood, promote ancillary industries and improve agricultural production in the areas where mining firms operate.

Mining companies, Halcon said, have been encouraged to invest in the Philippines due to the Philippine Mining Act which provides the legal framework for the operation of extractive industries.

Official statistics show that the Philippines ranks third worldwide in gold deposits, fifth in nickel and sixth in chromite.

The Philippines’ proven mineral reserves have revitalized global interest in the extractive industries in the country.

Geological studies indicate that up to 7.1 billion tons of metals could still be extracted and another 51 billion tons of non-metallic minerals can be mined. Halcon stressed that the COMP has been abiding by its policy of responsible mining and promoting the practice of sustainable development.

Halcon said members of the COMP abide by their duty to protect the welfare of indigenous people who inhabit many concession areas.

They also observe the provisions of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA), Halcon said.