Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez is determined to stop irresponsible mining operations. An environmental advocate, Lopez said she would continue to visit mining-affected communities to talk to the people as part of the ongoing mining audit that has so far claimed four nickel-mining companies as among the first casualties.
Lopez had vowed to stop irresponsible mining operations that cause environmental destruction and people to suffer. Since assuming the top Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) post, Lopez had so far suspended four nickel-mining operations—two in Zambales and two in Palawan.
Maintaining her pro-environment stance, Lopez debunked claims by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) that mining has improved the economic conditions of people in host communities. In fact, she said some of the areas she visited showed that people are suffering because of the adverse impact of environmental degradation caused by mining operations that include reduced rice yield and dwindling fish catch.
The DENR chief said the mining audit includes environmental and social impact on top of the usual technical or physical mining audit criteria. She added that even mine sites with ISO 14001 certification, a requirement under DENR Administrative Order 2015-07, would not be spared if their operation proved to cause environmental problem that make people in the communities to suffer.
An initial assessment made by the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) revealed that almost half of the 40 large-scale operating mines are “frequent” violators of mining and environmental laws.
But MGB Director Leo Jasareno said companies, mostly engaged in nickel mining, are “minor offenders” who commit not-so-serious offenses, such as good housekeeping rules, failure to put signage in strategic location or failing to keep their facilities clean, that warrant suspension ranging from one to three months and corresponding fines between 2012 to 2015.
The companies that committed “major violations,” he added, were the nickel-mining companies operating in Zambales in 2014.
On Tuesday Lopez met with farmers from Cagayan Valley region to listen to their concerns related to mining activities, particularly OceanaGold and Golden Summit.
“We will coordinate with authorities and [enforce] the rule of law. If these mining companies have violated the law, we…[assure] their suspension, revocation of permits or even closure,” she warned.
The farmers demanded an immediate halt on the Cagayan Valley operations of OceanaGold, an Australian mining firm, whom they accused of causing water pollution and deforestation in its area of operation, harassing people and violating human rights. They also complained about the mining company Golden Summit, which they claimed was operating illegally in Isabela.
“We will put money in reforestation and agro-forestry. It is not enough that you plant trees. After you plant, you should take care of them. The money will go to the farmers,” Lopez added.
Nueva Vizcaya farmers asked to be included in the long list of DENR partners for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP). The DENR chief also promised to act swiftly on the concerns raised.
As an initial step, Lopez said she would discuss the case of OceanaGold with the Australian ambassador in their upcoming meeting.
Meanwhile, Lopez vowed to take swift action on the lumad’s complaints about the impact of mining operations in Mindanao.
“The common good remains my non-negotiable stand. I promise to act on your concerns, especially those that directly affect your livelihood and your homes,” she said.
The indigenous people (IP) have complained about how destructive mining and illegal-logging activities have caused superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering to poor communities in Mindanao.
The lumad’s primary concern is the rampant human-rights violations allegedly perpetrated by large mining and logging firms, which they want to be stopped immediately.
The IP group also called for an immediate probe on the disappearance of one of their members, which they claimed has something to do with DMCI logging project in Sultan Kudarat.
The group also asked for a halt on the operation or cancellation of the mining permit granted to Sagittarius Mines Inc.
Lopez added if the results of the ongoing mining audit by the DENR would show that there were indeed violations, she would either suspend the operation or cancel the permits of erring mining firms depending on the gravity of the violation.
“I will not allow people to suffer because these big companies want to do business,” Lopez said. “This is beyond my conscience and will not be tolerated by this administration.”
On behalf of the lumad, Pya Macliing Malayao the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas gave Lopez a copy of the Indigenous People’s Agenda, which lists their demands on key issues related to the recognition and respect of the collective rights of the IPs to their ancestral land and resources, human rights, and social services and development.
It also includes points covered by the mandate of the DENR, including the revision of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Law, or Nipas, of 1992; moratorium on the grant of all mining permits; and make mining and logging companies liable for the destruction of natural resources in their areas.
The agenda would be officially submitted to the Office of the President on August 8 as part of the commemoration of the World Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Lopez first met the lumad representatives at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, where they had the chance to air their complaints to the new DENR chief.