Manila’s new environment secretary lashes out at mines
MANILA: After two decades as a yoga missionary, Philippine Environment Secretary Regina Lopez is unleashing her inner rage on the mining industry while aiming for Bhutan-style gross national happiness.
Lopez has in recent months moved global commodity markets with a campaign to close roughly two-thirds of the existing mines in the Philippines, which is the world’s biggest supplier of nickel ore and a major source of copper.
For the 63-year-old, her sudden elevation by firebrand President Rodrigo Duterte to government last year after a lifetime of spiritual and environmental pursuits has pre- sented an unexpected chance to bring about radical change in society.
“This is a golden opportunity to do the right thing,” Lopez, popularly known as Gina, said in an interview on Wednesday at her bustling Manila office as she explained her determination to take on the mining industry.
“Not everyone has the guts and the wherewithal to stand on big business’s toes. Right now I have that platform.”
Lopez casts mining in a sinister light, accusing powerful business figures and politicians involved in the industry of corruption and rapaciousness.
She insists mining is destroying the South-East Asian archipelago’s ecosystem, and that the natural resources on offer can be used in much more sustainable ways.
“We have 7,000 islands and if we rape the islands, and 95% of the wealth goes out of those islands, we will never see the light of day,” Lopez said.
Lopez has ordered the closure or suspension of 28 mines which, if implemented, would leave just 12 in operation.
She has also recommended that the contracts of 75 planned mines be cancelled to protect watershed environments.
Mining Inc is fighting back, with a public relations blitz insisting it is a law-abiding industry that generates billions of dollars for the economy and directly supports 1.2 million people.
It has appealed to Duterte, who has spoken fiercely against the industry but nevertheless also has many pro-mining figures in his Cabinet, to over-rule Lopez. — AFP