Minding the Mining: PNoy to continue working with ‘gold-diggers’

President Aquino supports mining companies as he asked them on Wednesday to continue working with the government in order to a mining industry which is “sustainable, inclusive, and profitable.”

In his speech during the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental (PMIE) Awards ceremony in Malacanang, Aquino emphasized the need for a more stable communication and cooperation of the public and private sectors to achieve the full potential of the country’s mining industry.

In the midst of too many environmental abuse reports and studies caused by the corporate mining in the Philippines (one of which is that mining is one of the main reasons of calamity casualties), human rights abuse and alleged ‘ethnocide’ to the lumads in Mindanao, and many more mining-related problems, the Palace still decides to support the mining industry. In fact, in contrast to all of the cons stated, the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental (PMIE) Awards were held to honor exemplar mining companies for sustainable and environment-friendly services.

Why not? Most people know that the Philippines is one of the richest countries in terms of mineral resources. Specifically, the country is the fifth most rich in the world for gold, nickel, copper, and chromite—home to the largest copper-gold deposit in the world. Also, mining has created 211,000 jobs in 2011 alone, doubling the figures since 2006.

The only problem is that the government spends more time in talking beautifully in speeches than actually putting some actions. If only the government has the ability to secure proper connections and partnership with corporate mining corporations, then maybe there could be a controlled case of environmental and human rights abuse. In addition, we could benefit from our natural resources by utilizing it fully. In this scenario, both the country and corporations will grow.

But still, recognizing the good miners is a good step in this mining potential. This should be sustained until the government devise better projects according to this matter.