EDITORIAL - Responsible mining

If he had his way, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would rather close all mining operations in the country following the landslide that buried dozens of miners and their families in Luzon at the height of Typhoon Ompong.

“That mining thing has really contributed a lot of  heartaches for the Filipino people. It is time for us, particularly the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources], to take a second look, seriously now, regarding the dangers of open-pit mining,” Duterte was quoted as saying by ABS-CBN Monday evening. “Never mind the P70 billion [in revenues]. But of course the finance people will object.”

At the House of Representatives, Cebu City South District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa said he is reviewing the country’s mining laws after Duterte called for a repeal of the Philippines Mining Act.

Abellanosa, chairman of  the House committee on natural resources, wants to meet with Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the issue. According to him, Ompong’s massive destruction in northern Luzon prompted him to push for review of mining legislations in the country.

Once the law is repealed, the mining industry will certainly suffer a heavy beating. This means the country will cease to be an attractive site for mining companies. In fact, the move will force many firms to close their operation as it will no longer be profitable doing business in the country.

The country is very rich in mineral resources, having the world’s second largest gold reserves. It is a top destination of international mining corporations. According to Forbes’ estimate, the Philippine mining industry is worth a whopping $1.4 trillion.  

However, many mining firms are destroying the environment with their illegal operations. Because of lack of proper monitoring by authorities, erring companies manage to continue violating environmental laws. It’s sad that authorities only go after those violating firms after a disaster.         

There’s really no question that we need to tap our mineral resources for economic development. But authorities should also see to it that laws that protect the environment are being followed by mining corporations.