Question:Can we totally abolish it since its negative impacts could no longer be managed by science and/or technology?

3.Blueprint for Philippine mining industry conforming to excellent laws, policies, and International standards

Untapping the trillion industry of Philippine  mineral wealth shall be guided by a blueprint strictly adhering to the values of stewardship, accountability, and the principles shared by scientists. President Rodrigo Duterte said, “To the mining industry expect reforms radical ones, exhort all concerned agencies and local government units uphold the concept of  intergenerational responsibility exploring and utilization of our mineral wealth, protection and preservation of our biodiversity anchored in the right to a balanced and healthy ecology.”

The Philippine  mining act of 1995 or RA 7942 is at par with mining laws of Australia, Canada, and the United States operating in view of 4 project imperatives:

a.Technically feasible

b.Environmentally Compliant

c.Socially acceptable

d.Financially viable

The Philippine mining industry also raise the bar by adhering to international environmental and safety standards or ISO Certifications (For example ISO 4001).

4.Understanding its impact to the economy

I understand that Philippine mining industry were accounted only for 0.69% of GDP in year 2018.But the Philippine mining industry has a potential trillion dollars worth of untapped minerals wealth being in the top 5 source of mineral wealth in the world.If science can produce safest technology and applications that will scan these minerals and control its utilization. It shall have great impact, not just in the environment but also in Philippine economy.

₱102.3 billion was the contribution of Philippine mining industry to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in  2020 amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Other benefits of Philippine mining industry

Philippine mining industry provides medical and educational assistance, and public infrastructure.

II. Can we totally abolish it since its negative impacts could no longer be managed by science and/or technology?

Yes, we can totally abolish until the time  our scientists and engineers discover the safest way to practice mining and the government has the capacity to implement policies that will really benefit the Filipino people.The alliance of Alyansa Tigil Mina aims to shift the policy framework on extracting minerals in the Philippines, from simply “‘extracting and profiting from mining minerals’ to  ‘mineral management towards national industrialization'”.

Remember the story of Marcopper Mining Tragedy that poisoned Calancan bay from 1975-1991 with estimated 200 million tons of toxins.

Recently, the flooding and massive siltation in Carrascal in Surigao del Sur as a result of open-pit mining site.