Barbers lauds lifting of ban on open pit mining
SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has lauded the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lifting the ban on open-pit mining for gold, silver, copper and other minerals.
Barbers said the decision came eight months after President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte lifted the moratorium on new mining projects.
“I thank the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) for recommending to the DENR the lifting of the ban. As I have said before, mining is the only way out of this debt-ridden economy. The loans that we contracted to address the pandemic cannot be paid through our normal economic activities which were also heavily affected by the pandemic. It will take generations to settle these debts,” Barbers said.
Barbers has previously stressed mining can contribute as much as 6-10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Currently, its contribution is 0.6%. In countries like Australia and Canada where mining contributes 6% or higher, the economy is prosperous and people are gainfully employed, Barbers said.
Barbers however cautioned the local government units and the people of the host localities and provinces to be vigilant in guarding against abuses, illegal activities and unsafe practices by the mining companies.
The non-government organizations (NGOs) that are critical of this new order must also be on guard, according to the solon.
Surigao del Norte is considered as the mining capital of the country.
People are heavily dependent on mining because vast mineral and resource-rich areas are not suited to agriculture.
“With strict guidelines, people cooperation and awareness, competent government supervision and best practices in mining, I hope to live to see the day of our prosperity and freedom from indebtedness”, Barbers said.
