CHZYARRAH IRA GRAEZ T.

SINSUAN DECEMBER 18, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ACTIVITY: AN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Mining Activity at Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales

Uacon, a village in Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines, finds itself at the center of a complex
debate surrounding mining activity. While some view it as a potential source of economic prosperity,
others raise concerns about its environmental and social impacts.

Mining in Uacon has a long and contentious history. In 2018, plans for a ferro-nickel
processing plant by a Chinese company were met with fierce opposition from locals. The proposed
project sparked anxieties about environmental degradation and potential health risks. The municipal
council responded by passing an ordinance banning open-pit mining and the processing plant.

However, recent developments suggest that mining activity might be making a comeback. In
February 2021, reports emerged of backhoe digging in the mountains near Uacon Lake, a vital water
source for the community. While the company responsible, Yinglong Steel Corp., claimed they were
only constructing roads, residents remain apprehensive.

It is important to note that the situation in Uacon is just one example of the complex issues
surrounding mining in the Philippines. As the country grapples with the need for economic
development, finding ways to do so responsibly and and sustainably remains a critical challenge.