Anti Mining Essay Example

for over 13 years and currently serves as the president of their barangay's MACEC chapter.

VII. Argument III: Through her involvement in MACEC, Naty has become a strong advocate for human rights and the development of a safe and peaceful community. Like other MACEC members, Naty has faced challenges due to mining's impact on their town. In 1993, the collapse of Marcopper Mining Corporation's Maguila-guila Siltation Dam caused a flash flood that reached Mogpog River. This flood caused significant damage to their house and endangered their lives. However, tied together with her husband and children, Naty was able to support each other and prevent drowning.This traumatic experience motivated her to actively participate in campaigns against mining not only in their community but also nationwide. Naty's participation in numerous seminars, trainings, and mobilizations both within and outside the country has further strengthened her commitment to the fight against mining and its negative consequences not only in their community but throughout the entire nation. With support from MACEC and other organizations, she spearheaded the registration of the instance against Marcopper Mining Corporation. In 2005, she participated in a Mining Conference in Baguio City organized by Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center. During the conference, she shared her firsthand experience during the flash inundation in 1993 and her involvement in the anti-mining actions. The participants were deeply moved by her struggle; many of them shed tears upon realizing that they were not alone in their fight for justice. This experience further strengthened her advocacy. Despite attempts by the mining company to buy her silence and discontinue the case, she never considered giving up, although sometimes she gets frustrated by

the slow progress. However, they celebrate victories and milestones achieved in their campaign, such as the 50-year excavation moratorium in the country.To Naty, mining is a destructive industry that instills fear and exposes people to various threats.She firmly opposes mining in Mogpog and Marinduque province due to its adverse environmental and health impacts, as stated by the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines in 1998. Mining not only poses risks to mineworkers but also to surrounding communities. Numerous accidents have affected thousands of mineworkers in our country. The excavation operations directly or indirectly cause various risks with immeasurable societal cost and impact. Workers in the mining industry face occupational hazards such as exposure to intense heat, poor ventilation, vibration, dust, exhausts, repetitive stress injuries, intense noise, and manual handling of heavy machinery. Underground miners consistently endure high heat and limited hydration which leads to fluid and salt deficiencies along with increased heart stress, lens opacity, decreased fertility, and other health issues. Inadequate ventilation also contributes to numerous diseases. Vibration can result in bone damage and conditions like "dead finger" syndrome affecting hands and fingers as well as digestive problems, heart problems, and disruptions to the nervous system. Mines expose workers to airborne particulates that can be absorbed into their bodies causing systemic toxic effects from substances like lead, manganese,cadmium,zinc,and other toxic materialsChemical emissions from mining operations worsen the risks when combined with inadequate ventilation. This text serves as a warning about the various dangers and health impacts that can arise in mining work. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) may develop from overloading certain muscle groups through repetitive use or forced positions. Miners suffering from RSI might experience

muscle weakness, heaviness, pins and needles sensation, and numbness.

Exposure to loud and bothersome noises can result in hearing impairment, disruption of bodily functions like blood circulation and hormone imbalance. Deafness and hearing loss are irreversible consequences, while increased blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues such as peptic ulcers are potential non-auditory effects.

Manual lifting of materials can lead to back problems and severe pain, affecting a significant portion of workers in the mining industry. Given that many mines in the Philippines extract gold, there is widespread use of Sodium Cyanide for leaching gold from finely ground ore and liquid mercury for creating gold-amalgam.

Sodium Cyanide obstructs oxygen transportation from the blood to body tissues, causing symptoms of acute poisoning like rapid breathing, gasping, shudders, seizures, and even death. can result in , , and enlargement of the . A group comprised of human rights and environmental professionals from the United Kingdom conducted an investigation into the effects of mining on both the environment and local support in the Philippines. The investigation uncovered numerous instances of human rights violations, including violence against indigenous individuals who protested against mining, corruption within the mining industry, and political influence on legal decisions resulting in pro-mining verdicts. Additionally, they found that even the government recognized widespread inadequacies in environmental protection practices as well as failures in post-mining clean-up efforts. Within the past two decades alone, there have been at least 16 serious dam collapses and roughly 800 abandoned mine sites left uncleansed, with estimated cleanup costs reaching billions of dollars. The team released a warning regarding water contamination caused by mining activities as one of the foremost threats to ecological security

worldwide. Many mines within the Philippines are situated near coastal regions that serve as water catchment areas, thereby posing considerable risks to marine resources. An illustrative example is evident through severe pollution observed within Bagacay due to mining operations which has significantly impacted the Taft river system in Eastern Samar. Moreover, this study emphasized significant geological hazards prevalent throughout various parts of the Philippines; more than half of currently active excavation grants and two-thirds of explorative grants exist within high seismic hazard zones.The Philippines is considered the most dangerous place on Earth in terms of threats to its diverse biodiversity. Hence, it is urgent to properly manage its natural resources. Approximately 37% of Philippine forests may be at risk of new excavation. Past experiences where human rights were neglected in pursuit of excavation operations should be taken into account. Additionally, our country is currently experiencing a decline in and limitation of natural resources. While our government may require revenue, it is crucial to prioritize environmental management, including agricultural land, water, and forests, which are more essential, sustainable, and economically viable. The exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources must address current challenges such as global warming, pollution, and food shortages. It is also important to consider the risks posed by earthquakes, typhoons,and volcanic eruptions. Protecting the environment is vital to avoid hazards and catastrophes; hence,the commendable actions taken by provincial board members are worth mentioning.The bill passed in Congress that prohibits all mining exploration and operations in Carigara Bay exemplifies the efforts made by Leyte 2nd District Representative (Rep.) Sergio Apostol as the principal author.Their concerns for people's well-being and environmental preservation are shared by

Leyte 3rd district Rep.Andres Salvacion and Biliran lone district Rep.Rogelio EspinaThe Sangguniang Panlalawigan's actions regarding excavation projects in the area illustrate their dedication to their responsibilities. Their concern about the impacts of mining is a valuable service to humanity, particularly for the residents of Leyte. The negative environmental consequences are not only limited to the duration of mining operations but will persist long after it ends. Therefore, it is crucial for both national and local governments to enforce regulations that mitigate these adverse effects on communities. Our country's reputation regarding mining practices is notoriously poor compared to other regions globally. Both abandoned and active mines have adversely affected the livelihoods of many less fortunate Filipinos. Mining has detrimental implications for the primary sources of income for Filipinos. In MacArthur, where Leyte 2nd district Board Member Anlie Apostol expresses concerns, granting a mining permit to Nicua Mining Corporation might contradict the principles of the Agrarian Reform Law.There may have been a violation of the provision prohibiting farmer-beneficiaries from selling land within 25 years in the acquisition of 40 hectares, which includes an option for farmers to repurchase the land. The Department of Agrarian Reform must approve if the land is unproductive according to regulations during the transition or freedom. Currently, there are approximately 800 abandoned mines in the state that have caused significant environmental damage and some have records of human rights abuses. These mines being abandoned has resulted in economic difficulties for those affected. It is uncertain how long Nicua's excavation operations will continue, especially considering that some excavation companies have not followed national laws and international standards, as mentioned by Clare Short, a member

of parliament from Birmingham, United Kingdom. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) publicly opposed the 1995 Mining Act, which aligns with Leyte 1st district Board Member Roque Tiu's argument that there is no conflict between the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Provincial Government of Leyte regarding the Mining Act and the Local Government Code (LGC).The LGC requires prior consultation and approval from the relevant Sanggunian for government projects. The Constitution mandates that residents affected by projects must be provided with appropriate resettlement sites. Section 26 of the Constitution states that national government agencies and corporations involved in projects causing environmental harm must consult with local government units, NGOs, and other sectors. They should explain project goals, environmental impact, and measures to mitigate adverse effects.The inclusion of Sections 26 and 27 in the Local Government Code by the Supreme Court highlights the importance placed on preserving a healthy ecology and clean environment. According to these provisions, all national government agencies or government-controlled corporations are required to engage in prior consultations with the relevant local government unit and receive approval from its sanggunian before carrying out any project or program that may result in pollution, climatic change, depletion of non-renewable resources, loss of cropland, rangeland, or forest cover, as well as extinction of animal or plant species.