11STEM08 GR 7 The Future of Sustainable Mining of the Philippines

The Future of Sustainable Mining of the Philippines’ Mineral Resources Adamson University, Manila Julliane Reyes, Graceshel Elesio, Lei Anne Tantiado, Rizza Oraller Abstract: The study conducted chose to delve into the possibility of implementing the long idea of Sustainable Development into the minerals that The Philippines has. So, the writers have compiled diverse papers together to form the unique view we may have regarding the development of the nation’s mining and how various factors may have also affected this. I. Introduction Starting off, Sustainable Development has always been a general topic for the innovation of multiple countries, and/or, arguably the whole world. This development is not only applicable to the famous technology, flying cars, or going to mars, and the lot; but also, the broad array of resources that many countries are blessed to have. But while some nations are in luck for being able to trade and use their given material so well, where had Philippines, our nation, gone wrong? Especially in the present time of 2021, many are curious, and the writers thought you would be as well. II. Body It is evident that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the Philippines' economic predicament. In 2020, the Philippines' economic development slowed to a

halt, hitting negative territory for the first time since 1999, and the country faced one of the worst contractions in the ASEAN (Mendoza, 2021). As a result, the government is attempting to boost the economy, one of which being the mining sector. There have been numerous investments undertaken in the Philippines to ensure the long-term sustainability of mining. Mining is significant to the economies of producing regions and governments. It provides employment, attracts investors, and collects taxes to fund different public institutions and other public services (National Academy Press, 2002). The research and development project supported by the NERC and DOST- PCIEERD is one of the programs in which the Philippines participated in order to ensure the mining industry's sustainability. The goal of the study is to create methods for addressing and reducing the impact of mining in the Philippines, as well as strengthening the mining sector and developing a climate change mitigation strategy. This research effort could pave the way for the Philippines' mining and mineral resources to reach their full potential, thereby contributing to the improvement of the country's economic situation. The country in Southeast Asia, wherein the Philippines belongs to is one of the world's most mineral-rich, with the potential to help meet the constantly rising worldwide demand for minerals (UKRI, 2021). The mining industry is seeking major policy adjustments that will boost the sector’s growth and help the economy recover more quickly from the coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (Business World, 2021). Executives from mining businesses expressed their desire to change the industry's major policies at the Business World Insights Forum. They would like to undergo these changes for a more stable mining industry and for the sake of the country.

Eulalio B. Austin, Jr., the president and CEO of Philex Mining Corp. said that all national legislation and local government unit (LGU) directives on mining should be harmonized by the government. Despite having permission to mine based on the national law, certain LGUs disagree and refuse to allow them to mine in their respective territories. The mining industry, as mentioned by the same person, wants the 1987 Constitution's foreign ownership limits on mining lifted. For them, it is a sensible decision to lift the constitution in order to attract international investment and fast improve the state of the country's economy. Mr. Austin further stated that the downstream mining business must be developed. Mr. Austin believes that these copper downstream enterprises can maximize or produce a competitive advantage from the copper that they will be mining in the long term. According to Dante R. Bravo, the president of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. that the government should also consider granting “stable” incentives for significant mining operations. Mr. Bravo said that he believes the existing tax structure is nearly unaffordable to the industry. If more taxes are collected, fewer investments will be pulled to the country (Business World, 2021). President Rodrigo Duterte's revocation of the executive order prohibiting new mining operations in the Philippines is one of the notable measures taken to ensure mining's sustainability. Mining actually increased by 1.13% as a result of the pandemic, owing primarily to Chinese nickel demand and a high gold price. Customs tax receipts are expected to boost the government's earnings. The mining sector is expected to promote significant projects such as President Rodrigo Duterte's signature \"Build, Build, Build\" infrastructure project, which the

government claims are critical to the country's economic recovery (Chavez, 2021). Many people are opposed to the mining sector, particularly Duterte's decision to lift the new mining prohibition. Despite having \"positive intentions\" to pursue mining in the Philippines, the harm it causes in different aspects persists. In a communication to Mongabay, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a coalition of anti-mining organizations said that removing the moratorium reveals the administration's support for mining projects that would have a negative impact on food supply, environment, biodiversity, Indigenous communities, and fragile island ecosystems (Chavez, 2021). President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision is definitely a complete turnaround from his advocacy during the early years of his administration wherein he opposed excessive mining because of its negative impacts. III. Conclusion Overall, mining plays a vital role in the growth of the economy. However, mining has a significant impact on the environment, such as erosion, sinkholes, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and so on. Thus, the government has implemented the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, Republic Act No. 7942; the principal mining legislation that controls all mining activities in the nation. This act aids national progress while protecting the environment and the rights of those impacted. Since we are still a developing country, we, as citizens continue to aim in making progress to achieving a much sustainable way of mining. IV. Citations

UKRI, (May 10, 2021). NERC Invests in sustainable future for Philippine minerals. Copyright UK Research and Innovation, United Kingdom. NERC invests in sustainable future for Philippine minerals – UKRI R.M.D Ochave, (July 8, 2021). Mining Industry seeks policy changes. BusinessWorld Publishing, Philippines. Mining industry seeks policy changes - BusinessWorld (bworldonline.com) Chavez L., (April 15, 2021). ‘Complete turnaround’: Philippines’ Duterte lifts ban on new mining permits. BusinessWorld Publishing, Philippines. ‘Complete turnaround’: Philippines’ Duterte lifts ban on new mining permits (mongabay.com) Ching S.J., (August 30, 2021) Sustainable mining is possible—Philex. Sustainable mining is possible–Philex | Stephanie Joy Ching (businessmirror.com.ph) Salazar III R.R.C., (September 9, 2021) Mining Laws and Regulations. Published by Global Legal Group, Philippines. Mining Law 2022 | Laws and Regulations | Philippines | ICLG National Research Council. 2002. Evolutionary and Revolutionary Technologies for Mining. Washington, DC: The National Academies. 2 Overview of Technology and Mining | Evolutionary and Revolutionary Technologies for Mining | The National Academies Press (nap.edu) Mendoza R.U., (August 2, 2021) The Philippine economy under the pandemic: From Asian tiger to sick man again? The Brooking Institution. The Philippine economy under the pandemic: From Asian tiger to sick man again? (brookings.edu)