Environmentalists, Church oppose lifting of open-pit mining ban

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have criticized Department of Environment and Natural Resources for not making a strong stand against destruction of natural resources and the environment following its failure to stand firmly against open-pit mining operations in the country, especially in the southern region of Mindanao.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippine also joined the calls for DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu to heed public clamor and appeal by environmentalist organizations to put a stop to open-pit mining.

Father Edwin Gariguez, of the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) / Caritas Philippines – the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the CBCP) - urged Cimatu to act in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's order against destructive mining.

He said Cimatu should not accept the proposal of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) to lift the ban on open-pit mining.

Former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the ban on all open-pit mining operations because of its destructive effects on the environment and communities around them.

“The lifting of ban on open pit is MICC recommendation. Cimatu should make a stand not to accept it, as President Duterte himself committed in his State of the National Address that he will not allow destructive mining,” Gariguez said.

Just last week, the MICC – which has been lobbying for lifting of the ban - voted to reverse Lopez’s order. But Cimatu said that majority of MICC members had voted to recommend a change in the policy of the DENR with regards to its Administrative Order (DAO) 2017-10.

Most of the inter-agency members wanted the ban lifted, provided that mining laws, rules and regulations are strictly enforced. Cimatu co-chairs the MICC with Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who has an interest in the mining industry.

Last April, Lopez issued DAO banning the open pit mining and has also ordered the closure of 23 mining operations across the country for various violations. Lopez stepped down after her appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.

The Nassa/caritas Philippines has been supporting movements and initiatives towards climate justice, fighting the illegal and irresponsible mining practices in the country.