𝐀𝐓𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜. 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐤𝐧𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
ATM Press Statement | August 8, 2022
We are alarmed about Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno’s statement that “the mining industry holds the greatest potential to be a key driver in our economic recovery and long-term growth”.
By considering mining as an essential industry that would spur economic growth, we are concerned that this government would ignore the negative impacts of mining for the sake of profit.
We disagree that mining should be the key driver in the country’s economic recovery as environmental destruction has lasting consequences that could easily wipe out the measly gains of short-term economic recovery.
What the government must do is to focus on alternatives for a vibrant economy. These include: agro-forestry, eco-tourism and watershed development, and community-based small scale mining.
A revival of the mining industry could only lead to displacement of communities, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, land-use changes, and food insecurity.
Overall, the negative impacts of mining, particularly its environmental costs, far outweigh whatever contribution it could bring to the economy.
Mining is not the answer to the country’s economic woes. Instead, a rational management of our natural resources is needed for the sake of future generations and the protection of our environment. #RepealMiningAct
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