Green priest calls for mining law support
Goldman Environmental Award winner says government must pass stricter legislation
- ucanews.com reporter, Manila
- Philippines
- June 18, 2012
Award-winning environmental activist Father Edu Gariguez has led calls for the government and the public to support a new draft mining law he said would lead to “rational change” in the way the Philippines manages its natural resources.
Speaking at an environmental conference on Friday in Manila, Fr Gariguez said the Minerals Management Bill would help the country improve weak mining legislation responsible for damaging the environment, water resources, agricultural land and fragile island ecosystems.
"The new mining bill is necessary to save whatever is left in our country," said Fr Gariguez, a winner of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Award.
The draft legislation, which is being endorsed by a number of environmental organizations, champions conservation of non-renewable mineral resources by adopting a sustainable needs-based approach to minerals management.
Industry has criticized the bill for restricting exports, increasing the government’s share of revenues and requiring companies prove mining is the best use of lands that hold mineral deposits.
It remains under consideration in Congress and would replace the Mining Act 1995, if passed.
"[The current law] failed to consider the geographical characteristics of our country, which may not be conducive to large-scale mining activities, especially in our island ecosystems," said Fr Gariguez.
Nina Galang, president of environmental group Green Convergence, the organizers of Friday’s conference, said the country's mountainous topography and location in an earthquake zone points to the "irrationality of large-scale mining."
"Its benefits, if any, are greatly outweighed by the environmental and social destruction it causes," she said.
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (Stop Mining Alliance) called on the public to make a stand against mining companies.
"We cannot just let the mining industry do its business without being accountable for damage to the environment and the lives of affected communities," said Jaybee Garganera, the group's coordinator.
Although not a major producer and exporter of minerals, the Philippines has attracted a number of large mining investments, with more expected to follow depending on the new legislation.
Anglo-Swiss firm Xstrata, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has announced plans to invest US$5.9 billion to extract what is thought to be one of the largest copper deposits on the planet in Mindanao.
Speaking at an environmental conference on Friday in Manila, Fr Gariguez said the Minerals Management Bill would help the country improve weak mining legislation responsible for damaging the environment, water resources, agricultural land and fragile island ecosystems.
"The new mining bill is necessary to save whatever is left in our country," said Fr Gariguez, a winner of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Award.
The draft legislation, which is being endorsed by a number of environmental organizations, champions conservation of non-renewable mineral resources by adopting a sustainable needs-based approach to minerals management.
Industry has criticized the bill for restricting exports, increasing the government’s share of revenues and requiring companies prove mining is the best use of lands that hold mineral deposits.
It remains under consideration in Congress and would replace the Mining Act 1995, if passed.
"[The current law] failed to consider the geographical characteristics of our country, which may not be conducive to large-scale mining activities, especially in our island ecosystems," said Fr Gariguez.
Nina Galang, president of environmental group Green Convergence, the organizers of Friday’s conference, said the country's mountainous topography and location in an earthquake zone points to the "irrationality of large-scale mining."
"Its benefits, if any, are greatly outweighed by the environmental and social destruction it causes," she said.
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (Stop Mining Alliance) called on the public to make a stand against mining companies.
"We cannot just let the mining industry do its business without being accountable for damage to the environment and the lives of affected communities," said Jaybee Garganera, the group's coordinator.
Although not a major producer and exporter of minerals, the Philippines has attracted a number of large mining investments, with more expected to follow depending on the new legislation.
Anglo-Swiss firm Xstrata, one of the world’s largest mining companies, has announced plans to invest US$5.9 billion to extract what is thought to be one of the largest copper deposits on the planet in Mindanao.
