Prelates, eco groups launch book vs mining

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and environmental groups have found a new tool to ramp up their fight  against big-time mining in the country which its proponents see as the answer to poverty but which detractors like the CBCP insist would destroy the environment.

A book, “Mindoro Campaign: Protecting Island Ecology, Defending People’s Rights,” was launched Monday by the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa) and environmental groups Alyansa Laban sa Mina (Alamin) and Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM).

The 158-page book chronicles the continuing struggle of the people of Mindoro against mining on the island. It is also a collection of studies on the island’s critical ecosystems, including the threat posed by mining on food security.

The CBCP and the environmental groups said they hoped the book would motivate others to fight against mining.

At the launch in Intramuros, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo underscored the importance of the book “because it would record and remind us of the struggle of others against mining.”

“It would spread the good news of the people’s struggle even if it is quite difficult because we are up against big money, foreign businesses and sometimes the policies of our own government,” said Pabillo.

“But if the people continue to struggle [against mining], I’m sure the Lord will be with us,” he said.

Reacting to the book, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) said it would continue to reach  out to the  stakeholders to bridge the information gap and correct misconceptions brought about by the concerted campaign against legitimate large-scale mining.

“COMP will sustain its advocacy for responsible mining, which is possible and actually happening all over the country. Our members will abide by the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and related laws and continue to support President Benigno Aquino III’s thrust to attract investments, to generate employment and to help alleviate poverty even as we strive to protect the environment in stages of our exploration and mining activities,” COMP said in a statement.

COMP also said that mining companies were here for the long term as long as they continued to enjoy the support of the government and their host communities.

The book launch came on the heels of reports that Intex Resources had signed a memorandum of understanding with MCC8 Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned engineering and construction firm, to build the country’s first refined nickel processing plant.

Church officials and antimining groups on Monday expressed their opposition to the nickel project. With a report from Riza Olchondra