ATM warns against “conflict of interest” in mining project by Villar family
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) warned against the open-pit gold and copper mining project in Davao de Oro by the Villar-led Kingking Mining Corporation (KMC), saying destructive impacts could be overlooked due to the vast influence of the Villar political dynasty.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said, “The Villar’s 40 percent stake in the Kingking project and their deeply entrenched political power is a clear conflict of interest.”
“We are concerned that accountability for any negative impacts and violative practices by the mining company would be ignored given that the Villar family wields great political and economic control,” said Garganera.
Garganera also emphasized that the highly destructive nature of the chosen open-pit mining method makes affected communities vulnerable to habitat loss, water contamination, and waste pollution.
“We seriously doubt that the Villar family would prioritize environmental protection and community welfare over profits. Furthermore, the political positions of the Villar clan allow them to direct policies that would advance their mining interests at the expense of the environment and human rights,” he added.
ATM’s statement came in the wake of reports that KMC is investing P307.8 billion into the expansion of the Kingking project.
The alliance called on the public to remain vigilant about developments on the project, and to support communities that would be gravely affected by mining operations.
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