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.