How Are the Philippines Cracking Down on Mining?

Countries across the world are switching to renewable sources of energy. In 2016, new installations of renewable energy infrastructure overtook that of non-renewables. But there are some countries, like China, who are still investing in new coal plants. Slightly further south, however, the Philippines’ government have taken a slightly different direction.

Take your pick-axe

Philippines’ environment minister Regina Lopez has made her intentions clear this week, as she cancelled nearly a third of the mining contracts in the country. It means 75 contracts for undeveloped mines will be completely stopped in their tracks, halting the country’s expansion of fossil fuels.

The controversial move comes after she confirmed plants to shut down over half of the currently operating pits for environmental reasons. A total of 23 of the Philippines’ 41 mines will be shut down, with challenges on the matter recently rejected.

“Absurd”

It wasn’t long before key figures in the mining industry voiced their displeasure at her decision. Ronald Recidoro, a Chamber of Mines lawyer in the Philippines, described her decision as “absurd”. “You cannot just unilaterally cancel contracts, especially if there are no specific grounds,” he asserted.

Environmental grounds

Despite such a negative reaction from the mining industry, Lopez is standing firm on her decision. But what has prompted it? Is Recidoro correct to say there are no grounds? According to the Environment minister, it is a necessary measure to protect the country’s water supply. The mine closures and cancellations are all near watershed zones.

These zones, with their own supply of uncontaminated water, are at risk of contamination by new and existing mining projects. “You kill the watershed, you kill life,” Lopez told the media. And it seems likely the policies will be put into effect. President Rodrigo Duterte has already confirmed his support for the environment minister, saying he won’t stand in the way of her decision.

Noisy neighbours

The Philippines are fortunate to still have the option to protect their water supply. China, on the other hand, have some of the most polluted waters in the world, but at last they are attempting to change things for the better. New regulations, as discussed in ‘All Eyes on China’s Industrial Water Market’, have been put in place to tackle major polluters, especially those in highly polluting industries like coal exploration and production.