Mining in the Philippines has been known as early as year 1521.
According to the Manila
Times, Philippines is the 5th most mineral-rich country in gold, copper and chromite in the world. In fact, all regions (except NCR and ARMM) in the country allow mining operations. There are 236,000 workers in the mining industry in 2016 as stated by Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Despite its help to our economy and livelihood to some Filipinos, Former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, who had passed away recently, ordered the closure of about 23 mining operations in the country and 75 lucrative contracts for mines that she said threatened watersheds last February 2, 2017. Source of income and job employment is very important to us Filipinos as one of the goals of mining operations in the Philippines. However, It does not leave a fact that it threatens the country's natural habitats and a safe place for a healthy environment to us citizens. I am firm and bold to my advocate same as late Gina Lopez and other environmentalist in the country that mining must be either stop or regulated to check its operation. Improper way of conducting this industry in the Philippines leave us several major impacts on the environment and to us people. First of it, is the destruction of the natural habitat of different species in the country. Given the fact that we are a home for a high diversity in the world. Second, is the dumping of harmful chemicals in the mining site that could also pollute the other areas near the sites. Over 142 Million tons of heavy metals like sulfur dioxide which is used for smelting contributes 13% of global emissions of greenhouse gases which makes our earth hotter. Moreover, the loss of agricultural lands and health concerns for us Filipinos must be clearly considered by the government. We can't afford to lose our only hope for a better future if we are going to allow these abuse in the environment to happen just because of money. Take note that only 0.6% of our Gross Domestic Product in 2016 contributes the mining industry. In addition, the leading nation in the world in terms of mining operation, South Africa, has taken 8% of its GDP according to the Federation for a Sustainable Environment. In other words, we can afford to lose it rather than to suffer from its major effects in the environment in succeeding years.