Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), a non-governmental organization (NGO), is appealing to the government to ensure the inclusion of local communities affected by mining operations in its joint declaration with mining companies regarding policy reforms for the country’s mining industry.
In a report by the Philippine Star, ATM expressed disappointment regarding the exclusion of mining-affected communities, particularly Indigenous peoples, women, and youth, from the development of the joint declaration between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and mining groups.
The organization’s statement came after a recent agreement between the DENR and mining groups aimed at instituting reforms in the mining sector to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
ATM criticized the exclusion, calling it a ‘lack of respect’ from mining firms and the DENR towards the resistance against large-scale mining in many areas.
Additionally, the NGO stressed that without the involvement of communities, the commitments made by mining firms and the DENR to policy reforms may prioritize profit over the welfare of affected communities.
ATM also said mining corporations may choose not to comply with environmental laws and regulations as a result of the shortening of regulatory processes, and with the government’s vigorous support of mining, it frequently disregards the preservation and defense of protected areas.
The group highlighted instances where large-scale mining operations encroach upon protected lands, actions they assert are overlooked or tolerated.
To this, ATM urged the swift passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB), which aims to regulate mineral use and leverage mining for national industrialization while safeguarding water and food sources and providing greater protection for communities.
