Almost a year after accepting the chief post at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Roy Cimatu is facing yet another challenging year as controversial issues in the extractive industry grow louder as a result of large-scale mining operations failing to comply with strict social and environmental standards.
Despite tricky tasks ahead, Cimatu seems unfazed and rather welcoming of resolving the controversies surrounding his field as DENR poses 2018 as a promising year for another round of accomplishments by the ministry.
In balancing between environmental protection and utilization of land, Cimatu, along with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), signed the Baguio Declaration at the 64th Annual Mining Safety and Environment Conference in order to “do better in minerals development” in the country.
During the first ASEAN Mineral Awards, 30 mining firms from COMP signed the agreement on committing to practice and uphold responsible mining practices, as the Baguio Declaration intends to address.
According to Manila Standard columnist Mike Toledo, the Baguio Declaration consists of five main elements of responsible minerals development being that of people-oriented; protecting and enhancing the environment; respecting the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples; contributing its fair share to the national economy; and of being efficient, competitive, compliant with international standards.
“While we have yet to see if these companies will fulfill their commitment, their decision to sign the Baguio declaration is a good gesture of their willingness to take part in a concerted effort for efficient and responsible mining,” the DENR chief said.
Other than the manifesto’s image regrouping of the mining industry, it will also prioritize “national development in the country” through employment or other livelihood opportunities in host communities.
Cimatu and COMP are optimistic that the declaration is a crucial move forward in enhancing the mining industry’s environmental and social performance.
Earlier, COMP chair and Nickel Asia Corp. president Gerard Brimo confirmed its adoption of Canada’s TSM (Towards Sustainable Mining) initiative, which requires mining companies to assess their performance annually in specific areas such as tailings management, community outreach, biodiversity conservation, energy and greenhouse gas emission management among others.
The Philippines is the first country in the Southeast Asia region to sign such an important document, following Finland, Argentina, and Botswana.
