Catholic, Protestant bishops vs mining

Safeguards and standards of mining should be reviewed and their implementation dutifully monitored and sanctions strictly enforced, without fear or favor.  If the “no” to corruption is transparently implemented and the conditions for the mining companiies’ operation strictly enforced, then a proper “moderation to greed” can be in place without doubt.  Such conditions, are, for big mining operations: labor standards and welfare, safety standards, operation of hospital, educational institutions and community amenities in the mining area, etc.  The mining industry should bring jobs,  livelihood, education and other opportunities to the mining community, that would develop the full human potentials and dignity of people, not degrade them or obstruct their human development.  Mining should not result in massive environmental damage, detrimental to the health and the conservation of the environment.  Mitigating measures should be firmly in place and strict monitoring should be regularly conducted to ensure benefits from both the environment and the human enterprise for generations to come.  Abuse, no; due diligence in developing natural resources of the country, yes.  There should be a proper balance; not a total do-nothing and obstruct proper human development.

A bemusing statement. You seem to be doubting that the mining industry is capable of acting in an environmentally responsible manner. Yet, this is possible and vital especially in a nation like the Philippines where the environment is already under tremendous pressures from increasing population. Clean water resources and good land for farming will be at a premium.

Methods already exist for much greater control of the way mines handle the environment, regular water table monitoring, river and stream monitoring for quality and contamination… are these currently monitored now by a government department? What happens if contamination escalates to an unsafe level according to WHO levels? Is the mining company ordered to immediately rectify and issued with a hefty fine? Shutdowns would be required during the rectification period.

The issue of tailings, and restoration of mined land is of very high importance also. Many mining companies integrate reforestation programs into the contract. It is of course not as good as how the land was before, but far better than leaving a barren empty scar on the land for generations, and hopefully fauna will soon move back into the area.

All I am saying is that when a contract is made, environmental impact studies should be made on the land proposed, then the mining company put measures in place to respond to that in order to minimize the impact of their operations. The government needs to follow through and ensure that its laws are followed to the letter.. ( it is in the interest of the people now and in the future).