ATM opposes any move of the DENR to declare additional mineral reservation areas. Once an area is declared as a mineral reservation, the regular safeguards can be potentially set aside to fast-track the permitting and approval process for a mining project. These includes watering the down the FPIC process for indigenous peoples and over-riding the rights of LGUs to reject miningg applications. A mineral reservation status can also lift the protected area status of watersheds

The much-invoked argument that “because we all use products from mining, we must allow it in the Philippines” is a complete non sequitur. Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Belgium—none of these countries have any mining industry, but they still use smartphones, just as we do. The idea that we must engage in mining because we use products out of it is as logically flawed as saying that, because we are using products from China, we must support its policies. Yes, we need minin

No change in environmental protection under Sec. DENR Roy Cimatu We are deeply disappointed with the performance of DENR as the Duterte administration enters its 3rd year. Despite the rhetoric of Pres. Duterte, particularly in his latest SONA last July 23, 2018, DENR has failed to effectively regulate the mining industry and deliver the promise of “change”. Mining operations have continued, despite the cancellation and suspension orders issued by former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez,