Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, is defending mining operations in her municipality, citing their significant benefits to the government and residents, according to a recent report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Gonzales-Kwan stated that mining activities created employment opportunities for 2,300 residents and generated substantial income and taxes for the government.
She also emphasized the collaborative efforts between the mining companies and the local government to execute social development projects that directly benefit the villagers.
While acknowledging environmental concerns, Gonzales-Kwan argued that job opportunities from mining prevent other unsustainable activities, such as illegal fishing and logging. She also highlighted the positive impact of mining on employment, noting that residents from the mainland are now finding work on Homonhon Island, where the mining operations are concentrated.
Furthermore, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Eastern Visayas (MGB-8) revealed that mining activities in the region contributed Php 182.62 million in excise tax to the national government in the previous year.
The regional director of MGB, Glen Noble, also emphasized the economic contributions and employment opportunities provided by the mining sector.
Homonhon Island is home to four mining companies extracting nickel and chromite deposits, including Emir Mineral Resources Corp., Chromite King Inc., Nickelace Inc., and Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp. These companies employ a workforce of 1,549.
Gonzales-Kwan emphasizes mining companies’ land development plans to restore mined areas and reveals ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive environmental development plan for Homonhon Island funded by the social development management program fund of the mining companies, equivalent to 1 percent of their operating cost.
