APD | Philippine government called to stop illegal small-scale mining
By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA, Jan. 26 (APD) – The country’s biggest association of mining companies called on the government to intensify its campaign against illegal small-scale mining (SSM) activities in the wake of reports another landslide brought by Tropical Depression “Amang” which resulted in the death of four and disappearance of three small-scale miners in Mount Mahupaw, Agusan del Norte.
In a statement, the Chamber of Minds of the Philippines (COMP) said they believe incidents like this could be prevented if small-scale mining activities including their safety practices and environmental performance, are closely monitored under the Minahang Bayan (Community Mining) set-up recognized by the government.
“In the eyes of many, the largely illegal SSM operations with their safety and environmental problems are lumped together with the formal large-scale sector, which contributes to the poor image of the entire industry,” the Chamber said.
It added these operations do not follow the same stringent safety and environment standards required of legitimate large-scale mining operators.
No less than the Mines and Geosciences Bureau estimates more than 60% of the gold mined in the Philippines are from unregulated small-scale mining operations.
“Apart from endangering the lives of poor mining workers and destroying the environment, illegal small-scale mining operations do not pay taxes,” the statement concluded. (ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)