Why Promoting Responsible Mining is Way Better Than a Total Ban

Upon the election of the new President and the appointment of his cabinet members, changes have occurred. Other than the controversial war against drugs, an environmental issue, particularly the closure of several large-scale mining operations, has been constantly covered by the media.

The new head of the DENR who is mandated to regulate and monitor environmental activities such as mining is also a staunch anti-mining advocate and she has continuously pushed for the closure and revocation of permits of some of the large-scale mining industries in the country.

As ordinary citizens of a third-world nation, it is not easy for most Filipinos to understand the gravity of the issue and the complexity of the consequences of totally banning all kinds of mining activities in the country.

It is easier to believe in what the media is saying. Mining is portrayed as something that is done by evil oligarchs who are only after the profit that they would gain at the expense of both the environment and communities living within or in close proximity to sites where precious metals are sourced.

That’s simply how they put it. Mining causes deforestation. Mining causes floods and all sorts of calamities like landslides. Mining causes soil and water contamination from chemicals used in ore processing.

For ordinary citizens, it is so easy to believe all that. The question now is: if mining is something that results in so many negative effects, why are we still allowing it?

Well, the answer of course is as simple as the question. We NEED mining.

Even if they have pictured mining as an irrelevant industry in the country’s economy and we can all survive without having to mine for copper, iron and gold ever again. It is a fact, however, that out of mining, precious metals are sourced and used to manufacture products that we all use every day.

A total mining ban will put thousands of Filipinos out of work, without an alternative source of income to provide for their families. The mighty mining corporations may lose billions in the ban, but they have other mining sites. They have a diversified business portfolio. They can cut their losses.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of laborers who solely depend on their work in the mines to sustain their families.

Even the anti-mining protesters use appliances, gadgets, mobile phones, computers, and even simple kitchen utensils. All these things use by-products of the precious ores we get from mining.

Yes, it is true that mining companies are after profit. However, that’s business. These companies have operational expenses. They have clients to supply. They have operational costs to allocate budget for. They need to pay people as well as taxes. That’s just how businesses work.

Totally banning and shutting down the mining industry is not something that our country can afford now. Therefore, instead of a total ban, the government should encourage and promote responsible mining operations. The community from which the workers usually come from, should be educated and be actively involved in responsible mining advocacy as well.

We already have existing laws regulating mining in the country. The government has the power and the mandate to ensure mining in the country is done responsibly and lawfully. If there are any apprehensions regarding these laws, then by all means, call the attention of the government and ask that these laws be amended accordingly.

We are not living in the Stone Age anymore. There are technologies available to reduce the negative impacts of mining which has been the strongest argument of some of the most popular anti-mining advocates in history. These are just some of the reasons why promoting responsible mining is way better than a total ban.