In a statement, COMP acknowledged the environmental concerns behind the moratorium but argued that the existing legal framework already provides strict environmental safeguards. It cited the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and various regulations that mandate responsible mining practices.
Key Takeaways:
“As of December 2023, mining firms in the MIMAROPA region have planted 3.79 million seedlings in over 502 hectares of mined-out and other areas, with a nearly 90% survival rate,” COMP stated, referring to the provinces of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
It also noted that mining firms have committed P22 billion to environmental protection, with P3.39 billion already spent on annual environmental enhancement programs.
The mining sector plays a significant role in MIMAROPA’s economy, with the industry accounting for 7.5 percent of the region’s gross regional domestic product despite mining tenements occupying only 3.8 percent of the total land area.
COMP highlighted that most of these contributions come from large-scale metallic mining operations in Palawan.
Beyond economic gains, COMP emphasized mining’s role in social development, including the P350.47 million spent on social programs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It argued that mining projects provide local employment, drive business growth, and help improve the quality of life in rural areas.
The group warned that the moratorium could hamper the Philippines’ ability to harness its mineral wealth, especially amid rising global demand for critical minerals. COMP urged policymakers to consider the broader impact of such a ban on both local and national economic strategies.
“The Palawan mining moratorium has just diminished the province’s prospects for holistic sustainable development for the next 50 years,” COMP concluded.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
