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.
