Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu urged the mining industry to reinforce a “culture of care” in all aspects of operations, highlighting the need to reinvent the industry’s image.
“It is high time for the industry to highlight a different but equally important side of the mining culture — that of caring, nurturing, protective industry. To achieve this, a culture of care should be fostered in all aspects of mining,” Cimatu was quoted as saying in a BusinessMirror report.
First and foremost, the industry should consider and care for the people.
“Through various programs being implemented by mining companies which include the social development and management program, support and services have consistently been provided to ensure sustained improvement in the living standards of the host and neighboring communities,” he said in the report.
The DENR chief urges for companies’ social development programs to be visible and leave a positive social impact on the communities during the life of the mine and even after its closure. Moreover, aside from the support for infrastructures and other physical assets, he urges companies to invest more in programs that will help contribute to the ultimate goal of establishing self-sustaining communities.
Fostering a culture of care can also be manifested by the strict compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations concerning the health and safety of its workers. The industry should also strengthen its commitment to caring for the environment by ensuring sustainable environmental conditions at every stage of the mining operation per DENR Administrative Order 2018-19.
Cimatu said that through these policies, mining operators, particularly in the nickel industry, should implement progressive rehabilitation to reduce the adverse impacts of mining on the environment.
