Total mining ban an idiotic, anti-progress step

I respect Neal Cruz’s opinions, but I vehemently disagree with his stand for a total mining ban. (Inquirer, 6/14/11)

If I understand him correctly, a total mining ban would mean that we should keep all our mineral and other natural resources—including gold, silver, nickel, copper, iron ore, etc.—deep under the earth, so that we don’t destroy the environment and disturb the ecological balance. That’s all well and good, if mankind were in the Stone Age, or perhaps in the age of dinosaurs. Then we wouldn’t have any need at all for tools, machinery, appliances, cars, computers and everything that we need from the time we get up in the morning to the time we go to bed in the evening.

I wonder how Cruz would write his column without the aid of a computer if we abruptly stopped all mining operations in this country. He would not even have a newspaper or any publication to write for since a printing press is made of iron and steel that come from mining.

In the same breath, how can we encourage ecotourism if we cannot even have tourist facilities built out of steel and concrete, or bring visitors to tourist destinations without vehicles made out of steel, rubber and other mined materials.

I can of course understand where Cruz and Ms Gina Lopez are coming from. Some mining firms have been totally greedy and left their host communities in complete shambles. But the sins of a few should not be a reason for government to put a stop to all mining operations and, consequently, economic development and social progress.

Mining, done right, can help put an end to poverty in this country. What should be encouraged is responsible mining, that is, mining that protects the environment and helps host communities benefit from jobs and educational and health facilities offered by mining firms to sustain their operations.

A total mining ban is impractical, anti-development and anti-progress. More than this, a total mining ban is a foolish and idiotic step that will definitely retard the country’s quest for sustained economic growth and for a solution to widespread poverty.

—GERARD MOTUS,
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