Duterte Admin Considers ‘Responsible Mining’ a Key to Country’s Growth

The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte does not oppose to mining but mining firms must do it right.

“The key word here is responsible and the president has made his position very clear: You have to do it right. If you cannot do it right, then get out of mining,” incoming Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said a during a press briefing on Thursday.

Abella said Duterte has also asked to apply the standards of responsible mining as practiced in developed countries such as Canada and Australia, to ensure the protection of the environment,” he said.

Abella said responsible mining plays a key role in the growth of the Philippines.

According to Abella, the Duterte administration is committed to promoting a robust and dynamic economy with every sector contributing to its growth.

While Duterte banned mining in Davao City, Abella said Duterte is not anti-mining if it is done in a responsible manner.

The Duterte camp issued the statement to clarify the incoming president’s position on mining.

Among the big mining operations in Mindanao are operated by Toronto Ventures Inc., – known Canadian firm while the Western Mining Corporation, which is an Australian firm, explored the Tampakan Mines but gave up due to resistance of the communities in the mining concession in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.

This week Duterte named anti-mining advocate and socio- civic leader Gina Lopez to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Duterte had wanted someone with strong political will to head the DENR as there are serious issues that he wanted to fix especially on mining. (PNA) RMA/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP