MINING BAN | Environment chief lifts ban on open-pit mining, drawing criticisms from green groups

December 28, 2021 , 07:01 PM

By Clarist Zablan

(December 28, 2021) – President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration on Tuesday lifted a four-year nationwide ban on open-pit mining, reversing an earlier policy to revitalize the nation’s mining industry and sparking rage from environmental groups as the country grappled with the worst effects of the climate crisis.

In a four-page department order, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said he wanted the economy to recover fast and growing by providing raw materials for the development of other industries and creating more jobs in rural areas.

LOOK: DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu signs order lifting the nationwide ban on open pit mining. The order is effective 15 days after publication@News5PH @onenewsph pic.twitter.com/r4OSUBBKcR

— Shyla Francisco (@ShylaFrancisco) December 28, 2021

“It is the policy of the State to promote the rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation of mineral resources in the country under the full control and supervision of the State in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities,” Cimatu said in the order.

Cimatu, a retired army general, dismissed concerns raised by his predecessor, the late Regina Lopez, on open-pit mining, noting that there are existing strategies that can avoid or manage the negative environmental impacts, such as progressive rehabilitation of mined out areas.

“Major issues concerning mining including open pit mining cannot be attributed to the use of the method itself, but rather to the accidents involving wastes and tailings confinement,” he said.

The Chamber of Mines welcomed the decision, asserting that open pit mining can be operated in a “safe” manner based on globally accepted standards.

“As most mining applications propose the use of the open pit method, this decision will enable the industry to contribute more to our country’s economic recovery, particularly from the devastating effects of this ongoing pandemic through investment promotion, job creation, and poverty alleviation,” the chamber said in a statement.

But Alyansa Tigil Mina, an alliance of affected communities and civil society organizations, described the move as a “cruel Christmas gift”, blaming mining operations for contributing to the climate crisis that has caused stronger typhoons in the country such as Odette.

“At this time when climate change brings devastating typhoons such as Odette, lifting the ban on open pit mining is a short-sighted and misplaced development priority of the government,” the coalition said in another statement.

“Once again, the Duterte regime puts more premium on its flawed economic agenda categorizing destructive mining as an “essential industry” as part of the pandemic recovery. This is simply not true, historically or statistically.”

Lopez, who was a staunch environmentalist and anti-mining activist, ordered a ban on open pit mining for copper, gold, silver, and complex ores in 2017, saying that the method is a financial liability, endangers host communities, and kills the economic potential of affected areas.

After Lopez’ appointment was rejected, Duterte has gradually allowed more mining operations in the country, lifting a moratorium on new mining permits early this year, to the dismay of environmentalists and indigenous communities.

(MM)

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