Mining firms are urging industry stakeholders to support responsible mining by launching “Living with a Brighter Future,” an advocacy campaign that promotes awareness of responsible mining.
This campaign is a joint initiative of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines together with the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, the Chamber of Mines-Caraga, the Alliance of Responsible Miners and Operators-Visayas, the Eastern Rizal Minders Association, the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
“Mining companies have made substantial contributions to local communities through its
Social Development and Management Program or SDMP. Additionally, the industry’s
environmental commitments have been significant,” said Atty. Mike Toledo, Chairperson of
the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
The advocacy campaign comprised a documentary with narratives of responsible mining practices as well as the collaborative efforts of mining firms, local government units, and local communities.
The documentary also emphasized how the industry supplied around Php 170.1 billion to the country’s GDP in 2022 alone. Furthermore, it revealed that the industry had offered jobs to more than 212,000 individuals in 2023.
The campaign also mentioned that mining corporations have committed Php 31.81 billion between 2002 and 2027 for SDMP activities, of which Php 20.3 billion is allocated for the span of 2002 to 2024.
SMDP was a shared platform where the firms, communities, and local governments huddled to discuss the deficiencies in both physical and social infrastructures by conducting continuous consultations with the neighboring communities.
Meanwhile, the mining industry had pledged about Php 387.81 billion to environmental protection and enhancement programs as of 2023.
The industry’s initiative consisted of planting trees and as of December 2023, about 45 hectares of land had been covered by more than 50 million saplings, of which 90% had survived.
“Through innovation and modern technologies, the mining sector is reducing its
environmental footprint and … progressive rehabilitation efforts, coupled with
investments in reforestation and environmental protection, demonstrate the industry’s
commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources,” Atty. Toledo added.
