Mining companies are calling on industry stakeholders to strengthen support for responsible mining, underlining the industry’s untapped potential to further drive economic growth and support social development at the national and local level, while fostering environmental stewardship.
During the launch of the “Living with a Brighter Future,” a documentary that provided a comprehensive narrative of responsible mining practices, portraying the collaborative efforts between mining companies, local communities, and local government units. Furthermore, the Better Mining, Brighter Future campaign provides different perspectives on the many benefits the industry brings both on a micro and macro level, from the local community to national interest. The campaign also advocates for dialogue and reflection, as it is through these exchanges that we can truly understand the complexities and opportunities of responsible mining.
The documentary highlighted that the industry contributed PHP 170.1 billion (in current prices) to the Philippines’ GDP in 2022 alone and employed over 212,000 individuals as of 2023.
In addition, the Philippine mining industry has provided PHP 387.81 billion, as of December 2023, to environmental protection and enhancement programs. In addition, the mining industry has committed PHP 6.72 billion for the rehabilitation of decommissioned mines. One concrete example of the initiatives of the industry is the number of trees planted where, as of December 2023, more than 50 million seedlings covering almost 45 hectares of land have been planted by the industry. Of these planted trees, approximately 90% have survived.
As the industry moves forward, their collective commitment underscores a shared vision for a sustainable future where responsible mining plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering social development, and preserving the environment for generations to come.
Atty. Mike Toledo, Chairperson of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, gave the Welcome Remarks at the launch of the “Living with a Brighter Future” documentary. The documentary aims to raise awareness about the responsible mining practices of mining companies in the Philippines. The documentary is part of the Better Mining, Brighter Future campaign, a joint initiative of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines; the Philippine Nickel Industry Association; the Chamber of Mines – Caraga; the Alliance of Responsible MIners and Operators – Visayas; the Eastern Rizal Miners Association; the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc.; and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
From left to right: Jasmin Romero, Journalist; Atty. Joan Adaci-Cattiling, President of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.; Joey Ayson, President, Philippine Mining & Exploration Association; Atty. Dante Bravo, President, Philippine Nickel Industry Association; and Engr. Francis Felizardo, President and CEO, Montepiedra Aggregates Corporation)
Mining industry leaders served as panelists at the launch of the Living with a Brighter Future documentary. The leaders discussed the various Social Development and Management Programs, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs, as well as the economic contributions of the industry. The Living with a Brighter Future documentary, which aims to raise awareness about the responsible mining practices of mining companies in the Philippines, is part of the Better Mining, Brighter Future campaign, a joint initiative of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines; the Philippine Nickel Industry Association; the Chamber of Mines – Caraga; the Alliance of Responsible MIners and Operators – Visayas; the Eastern Rizal Miners Association; the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc.; and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
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