20/02/2025
I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: The only way to stop mining is to eliminate the demand for it.
If you are against mining but upgrade your phone and other gadgets or electronic devices annually, then you are a hypocrite.
If you are against mining but use beauty and cosmetic products like foundation, eyeshadow, and sunscreen every day, then stop using them.
If you are against mining but want to build your house with concrete, steel, and other construction materials, then don’t.
If you are against mining but use cars, trains, and buses for work, then remember—walking is good exercise.
If you are against mining but consume petroleum and other energy products, then stop consuming them.
If you are against mining but use agricultural products like fertilizers and soil amendments, then you should stop using them.
If you are against mining in the Philippines but are okay with mining elsewhere, then you are fighting the wrong cause.
If you want to stop mining but push for a green energy-dependent country, then try making windmills, solar panels, electric cars, and mass transport systems out of air. (Good research gap!)
If you’re using products or materials that weren’t grown, they were mined.
The point? With the combined knowledge from academia, government, and industry, we understand that we can never entirely stop mining. That’s why we need responsible mining—because we acknowledge that mining cannot be completely eliminated unless demand suddenly disappears.
“So, should we just stay silent?” No! Appreciating and acknowledging the benefits of mining does not mean turning a blind eye to its issues. The goal of responsible mining is to assess and mitigate problems before they arise—to solve environmental and social impacts while ensuring economic benefits. It commends good practices and condemns and eliminates illegal and harmful ones.
This is not about supporting any individual or political party. This is a call to fight for something with a clear understanding of what we are fighting for. Only then can we have powerful, meaningful discussions that address the problem and find the middle ground between development and conservation—unless the goal was never development at all.
A society that is not dependent on mining is an admirable goal. This is precisely why all mining companies are required to implement a Social Development and Management Program (SDMP)—so that even when mining operations cease, communities will still have sustainable livelihood, healthcare, education, and environmental programs.
It is easy to say, but will not stop mining, will not stop mining, and will not stop mining. However, all of these contribute to achieving and .
PLEASE READ:
Introduction to Mining
1. What is Mining https://profession.americangeosciences.org/society/intersections/mining/
2. Importance of Mining https://mining.arizona.edu/news/importance-mining-modern-society
3. Minerals and Their Uses:https://nma.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/NMA-Fact-Sheet-40-Minerals-and-Uses.pdf
Laws that Govern Mining in the Philippines
1. Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942) https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1995/ra_7942_1995.html
2. Responsible Mining Policies (EO 79 of 2012) https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2012/eo_79_2012.html
3. Reforms of Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining (EO 130 of 2021) https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2021/eo_130_2021.html
4. Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371) https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1997/10/29/republic-act-no-8371/
5. Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749) https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1999/ra_8749_1999.html
6. Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275) https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9275_2004.html
7. People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (RA 7076) https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7076_1991.html
8. Philippine Environment Impact Statement System (PD 1586) https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1978/pd_1586_1978.html
9. Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7160_1991.html
Not all Areas are Open to Mining
1. PROTECTED AREAS and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018https://ph.oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/ENIPAS-Primer_Oceana_For-viewing1.pdf
Call for Research and Development
1. SUSTAINABLE MINING IN MINERAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENThttps://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/images/callforproposal/2021/regular_call/priority_areas/Mining-and-Minerals-Sector.pdf
Philippine Metallic Production
1. https://mgb.gov.ph/2015-05-13-01-44-56/2015-05-13-01-47-51/23-industry-statistics/1306-msc-philippine-metallic-mineral-production
Mineral Accounts of the Philippines
1. https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/technical-notes/1684063895
-REPORT ANY ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN YOUR AREA
