Stop mining

I agree with those who oppose mining; it’s not good for the environment. But we have a choice: We can ban mining, or accept it in a responsible manner.

If we ban it, we go back to the land of the Luddites. A simple life with no modern conveniences. No metal pot to cook our rice in, or gold for our wedding rings. Just stone axes and ceramic pots. Forget the cars and TVs, a horse-drawn carriage with wooden wheels is what you’ll travel in.

And in a land that’s 80-percent Roman Catholic, don’t tell me “Let someone else do it.” Are you going to destroy someone else’s environment so you can enjoy the fruits of their labors? That’s about as unchristian as you can get.

So, if we want the modern world we so much enjoy, we must accept that our lives are intertwined with mining, and the metals it produces. And don’t forget the limestone for the cement for our houses, that’s mining, too.

The oppositors have a valid point: Mining has destroyed some areas of our land. But it was not mining per se, it was destructive, irresponsible, illegal mining. The responsible companies look after the land. They have no choice — both our laws and society in general require it, and anti-mining groups are always looking over their shoulders to ensure they do. That’s the real role the oppositionists should play—ensure miners do the least possible damage and put the land back into an environmentally friendly condition when the metal runs out. As it will, mines have a fixed life. When all the metals are gone, the mine ends.

In the meantime, ban the small irresponsible miners. They are not good for the environment. They couldn’t care less about the damage they do or the rivers they pollute. They force children to scrabble or squeeze underground. We need far better policing for those whose greed exceeds their social responsibility, something Philippine governments have done a lousy job of in the past. Unscrupulous, corrupt local officials have abetted their destructive ways.

That’s where Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM-Stop Mining Alliance) can come in. Expose irresponsible miners. Take videos (that’s what your smartphone is for) and release them to the media. Invite the media to visit. Write to the big guys in government; they just might read them if there’s enough public pressure. I have always wondered why ATM does not talk about illegal mining, which is the real concern. They know how to get public attention to your cause. They should use it to change the message. Not “ban mining,” but “mine responsibly.”

Maybe I’m pipe-dreaming, maybe corruption can’t be stopped (and that’s at the heart of illegal and destructive mining). But isn’t that defeatist? The land where I was born stopped destructive mining and corrupt practices. It passed laws that jailed corrupt officials. The Western world has done the same.

Are we to say “Ah, but we Filipinos are different, we’re corrupt by nature. It can’t be stopped”? Because that’s the incredible message you’ll be sending to the world if you don’t step up and fight. It might take a generation or two to wipe out corruption, but I believe it can be done, if enough have the courage to act.

I’d hate to think my adopted country will just lie down and allow itself to be raped by corruption. What a defeatist attitude.

Proverbs 15:27 says: “The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” Deuteronomy 16:19 also says: “Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” I often wonder how the corrupt Catholics accept that they’ll not get into heaven. Confession doesn’t absolve them. It might fool an earthly priest, but a heavenly Father can read minds. He knows genuine contrition from fake. Just the fact that the corrupt leave the church and go at it again is proof enough of their Christian guilt.

Let’s have more faith in Filipinos. Let’s all work together to stop corruption in all activities, not just mining where illegal activities have been allowed to continue. Don’t just leave it to government, because that has been proven unsuccessful. Let’s see to it that mining is done responsibly—and honestly.

The benefit to the country is considerable, particularly at a time when we need money flowing into government coffers. Tens of billions, according to government estimates. COVID-19 has stolen money from us, but mining can bring some of it back. Don’t stop it, support its responsible revival.

Email: wallace_likeitis@wbf.ph