Advocacy

Script:

When mining was first introduced in the 1920s, it was used to gather valuable materials
that could be used for human consumption. Gather the minerals underground using one of the
two methods (underground or surface mining), both have notable impacts on the surrounding
ecosystem. where digging up the soil results in altering the soil and contaminating a nearby
water source caused by the waste minerals. These mine-related effects have contributed to the
loss of thousands of animals and ecosystems in the Philippines.

Over the years, mining has taken a toll on the environment resulting in multiple
environmental destructions, making our lives more challenging. Open-pit mining can have
significant impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. In the
Tampakan region, the proposed open pit mine would have involved the removal of a mountain
and the creation of a large pit, which could have had significant impacts on the local ecosystem
and wildlife.

Nevertheless, the proposed open pit mine has been opposed by local indigenous
communities and other stakeholders due to concerns about the impacts on their land and way of
life, considering the displacement of communities, disruption of the traditional way of life, and
conflicts over land and resources. As for the economic impacts of open-pit mining, which have
both positive and negative sides, On the positive side, it can create jobs and generate income
for the local economy. On the negative side, it can also contribute to environmental degradation
and social conflict, which can have long-term economic costs. Overall, the impacts of open pit
mining in the Tampakan region of Mindanao have been highly controversial and contested, with
different stakeholders having different perspectives on the potential benefits and costs of the
proposed mine.

Gubalani (2022) stated in her published article entitled "GenSan dads oppose open-pit
mining in Tampakan" that the City Council unanimously agreed that open-pit mining is
"historically disastrous", and it presents "greater risks, particularly to the environment, than it
does alleged economic benefits."

"Although the mining sector is crucial to the economy, open-pit mining's long-term
environmental degradation cannot be outweighed by its economic advantages. The State must
always err on the side of prudence when weighing the potential rewards and hazards, the
resolution stated. (Gubalain, 2022)
What exactly are the effects of this action?

Firstly, Open pit mining in general can have significant environmental impacts, including
habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. In the Tampakan region, the proposed
open pit mine would have involved the removal of a mountain and the creation of a large pit,
which could have had significant impacts on the local ecosystem and wildlife.

Large volumes of heavy metal-containing dust will be produced by an open pit mine, and
the disposal of toxic waste in tailing ponds will have an effect on the ecosystem and water
sources, they claimed. A daily haul of iron concentrate by rail and road will have a significant
impact on the way of life and culture.

A study found that compared to underground mining, open pit mining exposes waste
materials to the environment 8–10 times more. The soil, water, air, and other living things close
to the mining area are all significantly impacted by these consequences.

Open pit mining can also have significant social impacts, including displacement of
communities, disruption of traditional ways of life, and conflicts over land and resources. In the
Tampakan region, the proposed open pit mine has been opposed by local indigenous
communities and other stakeholders due to concerns about the impacts on their land and way of
life.

Lastly, open pit mining can also have economic impacts, both positive and negative. On
the positive side, it can create jobs and generate income for the local economy. On the negative
side, it can also contribute to environmental degradation and social conflict, which can have
long-term economic costs.

Overall, the impacts of open pit mining in the Tampakan region of Mindanao have been
highly controversial and contested, with different stakeholders having different perspectives on
the potential benefits and costs of the proposed mine.

The government and miners, according to Ms. Lusterio-Rico, must make sure that the
lives of individuals who reside in mining towns are not affected. "In my opinion, the government
needs to thoroughly examine each situation in the communities that could potentially be
impacted by mining activity. To be fair, there were also mining firms that engaged in what might
be referred to as "responsible mining," but it is undeniably crucial to understand how mining
operations would impact local communities. Let's not overlook the effects of mining operations
on individuals and their communities in addition to their long-term effects on the environment,
she remarked.

"Numerous studies on the effects of mining on people's life and the environment have been
conducted. Because some win and those who lose as a result of mining, there are communities
that have been split, she continued. (Business World, 2022)