Miners deny hand in supposed destabilization plots

MANILA, Philippines — The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines “vehemently” denied on Tuesday claims by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday that some mining firms were funding destabilization plots against the government.

The chamber also answered some issues that the president raised in a press conference at Malacañang about mining practices in the Philippines, many of which the chief executive said wrought destruction upon the environment.

In denying the assertion that some of its members are funding the opposition, the chamber condemned efforts to destabilize the Duterte administration or oust him from power.

The group said that it is unaware of any mining company supporting supposed plots to destabilize the government.

“Our member companies vehemently deny any involvement in any destabilization efforts against the administration,” the chamber said in a statement.

The chamber also reassured the chief executive of its commitment to work with the administration and to follow the law and the Constitution.

“The Chamber of Mines fully support (sic) the administration of President Duterte,” it also said.

Duterte said on Monday that some mining firms were funding opposition to his administration.

“Kayong mga mining, I know that you are funding the opposite side. Alam ko na ngayon kung sino gumagastos sa kanila. I know that some of you are giving funding to the other side to destabilize me,” the president said in the press briefing at the Palace Monday.

He also mentioned in the same briefing that the government was mulling a total nationwide on mining as he questioned if the billions of pesos the government receives from mining are worth its environmental costs.

Responsible mining

The chamber also defended its members from presidential criticisms that mining had caused environmental destruction and degradation in communities that host mining sites.

It said that its members were committed to responsible mining and in ensuring that mining was done under the highest standards and using the best technology available.

It said that all its members were ISO 14001 compliant and have consulted with Australian and Canadian consultants in the course of their operations.

According to the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 14001 is a "family of standards provides practical tools for companies and organizations of all kinds looking to manage their environmental responsibilities."

It said that using the standards "can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved."

The chamber also condemned all forms of illegal and irresponsible mining activities by “unscrupulous individuals and companies,” which have secured permits from either the national and local governments.

“Illegal mining is a scourge that must be eliminated, and we are committed to help the government achieve this objective in any way we can,” the group of mines said.

The group also lambasted anti-mining advocates for spreading what it called misinformation and said that the pictures given to Duterte were photos of active mining areas and did not present a complete picture of responsible mining.

It defended these active mines, saying that like any project under construction an active mine did not look green or pleasing to the eye.

“However, mining areas, once completed, are rehabilitated, planted with local species, and made useable for agriculture or forestry, or preserved as an eco-tourism site. We will be glad to clarify these matters with the President, if given the opportunity,” the chamber said.

The group also said that responsible miners contributed a lot to the economy through revenues and employment.

It said that it had planted millions of trees in the past years and had employed over 250,000 people. It added that it had helped communities develop and sent thousands of scholars of students.

“We have planted 20 million trees in the last three years, employ over 250,000 people, and often act as big brother to our hose communities…by providing free medical, educational, and social development facilities. We have sent thousands of scholars to college and paid billions of pesos in taxes to the national and local governments,” the chamber said.