A Critical Analysis and Evaluation on the Impacts of Lafayette Mines on the Fishing Industry of Sorsogon Province

Abstract

The mining industry of the Philippines is one of the very important contributors in boosting the economy of the country. It is undeniably, a dirty industry, but it is also extractive, and the industry could provide a lot of benefits, especially that the Philippines is endowed with rich mineral reserves such as gold, copper and nickel. But because the country still highly depends on agriculture, the country does not benefit from its own mineral resources. With the ratification of the mining act of the Philippines, it lured foreign mining corporations to enter the country and exploit its rich mineral resources. The mining act gave the foreign mining companies a 100% control over the mineral reserves of the country. Unfortunately, the mining activities of these foreign mining firms lead to environmental destruction - deforestation, watershed degradation, siltation and pollution. Mine tailings and waste disposals have long silted and poisoned rivers and seas, affecting other industries of the country, such as the fishing industry. With the environmental destruction being experienced now, life is threatened with extinction. Nature should not be taken for granted. Man is still part of the nature. Man should harmoniously live with nature. Environmental consciousness should be taken seriously by the citizens of the country so as to ensure sustainable development.