Mining in the Philippines

In Asia, the Philippines is considered to be country dependent on its natural resources. This is because the country has enough land forms to supply it. The country is rich in mountains, forests and fertile soil to use for agriculture. Nonetheless, not many know that it also has sources of certain minerals. Due to statistical reports and studies, the Philippines rank among the world’s top five countries with the greatest amounts of copper, nickel and iron ore. During the era of colonialism, the country was greatly exploited and profited from by foreigners without the consent of the Filipino people. However at present, there are certain laws and policies regarding the use of these natural resources for both local and foreign mining industries.

If one looks at the geographical setting of the Philippines, it is an archipelago which consists of many land forms, mainly mountains rich with certain metals. Most of the time, the common areas where mining occurs are those found in the mountainous regions where urbanization rarely happens. The Philippines uses this as a source of income by exporting unprocessed minerals to other countries. Due to this fact, many mining companies from outside the country have taken interest in the land properties of the country and take the time to make investments and mergers with the government or some local mining firms. By directly obtaining these, they save money and gain more profit. Success from the mining industry has actually given a number of jobs in the Philippines Heavy machinery operators and mining engineers have become in demand because they have the sufficient knowledge to go about mining operations.

The task to protect natural resources and to implement laws and policies for mining firms ”local or foreign” rests in the hands of the government of the Philippines. Specifically, it has assigned one of its branches, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to overlook mining activities throughout the country. Other than this, experts and engineers in this field have also set up their own group which looks out for the betterment of the industry. This group is called Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PMEA). In addition, because of the privatization of mining business, specialized associations have popped out. These, created as early as 1988, focus on representing the interests of foreign mining industries which invest much in type of trade. One of them is the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association (PMEA).

Although laws have been created for the wellbeing of the mining business, it cannot be helped that there are instances when problems are met. In order to strengthen the state’s economy, the government opens its doors to investors, where they sign agreements, even laws, allowing these companies to employ the natural resources of the Philippines. Unfortunately, poor and improper management has resulted in various problems such as environmental and social issues. Damage is done to nature because of illegal practices such as the use of poisonous chemicals or explosives. The main effect of this is the deforestation and destruction of mountains, which may later on lead to flash floods and erosions.

Some of the Filipino people’s rights have also been affected by law governing mining by local and foreign firms. Unfortunately, the effects are not always beneficial. Huge companies push through with their operations without the consent of residents around the nearby area. The struggle for their rights to property has been raised to the government. However, resolutions brought about by the administrative body have proven to be insufficient. Today, even as the mining business is serving the interests of the economy, it is slowly torturing the Filipino masses, especially those who reside in the mountainous regions.

~ The article discussed the good and bad thing about mining here in the Philippines. I personally think that even if the government implemented laws about mining we still can't change the fact that the mining industry are destroying the environment. On the other hand, it helps many people in their living. As mentioned in the article, the Philippines is at the top 5 of having ample supply of nickel and iron ore which is very important in making important products. In my opinion, people should not abuse the gift of nature because I believe in the power of "karma" and I think in time the nature will take everything all that we have taken from it so let's be responsible and take care of our nature.

Reference: http://www.mines-denr.ph/mining-in-the-philippines.html

Posted by: Maria Monica Semana