Gina Lopez: Where there’s mining, there is also poverty

Incoming Environment Secretary Regina “Gina” Lopez said there was no such thing as responsible mining, saying the industry has caused suffering and injustice especially in poor areas.

“How can it be responsible to do open pit mining in a country that is most vulnerable to climate change?” Lopez told the Inquirer in a text message.

Lopez, who on Tuesday accepted an offer from President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said putting the lives and future of farmers and fishermen at stake “for the money foreigners and rich people want to make” is hardly responsible.

She made the statements amid the mixed reactions her appointment has generated. The anti-mining advocate, as DENR chief, will take supervision over the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), which regulates the mining industry in the Philippines.

“If there is responsible mining why is it that wherever there is mining, there is poverty?” she said. “The poorest sites in the country are mining areas.”

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) earlier said its members continue to advocate responsible mining to benefit not just the communities that host mining projects but also the entire country.

Mining firms were quick to express acceptance of Lopez as DENR chief.

“We will also engage with DENR secretary-designate Gina Lopez to promote environmentally sensitive and responsive mining,” said Jose P. Leviste Jr., chair of OcenaGold Philippines. “We welcome and support a policy balanced between environmental protection and resource development.”

Gerard H. Brimo, president and chief executive of Nickel Asia Corp., noted Duterte has already made clear his policy in support of responsible mining.

Philex, for its part, said the President-elect has every right to appoint whoever he deemed fit to become the next DENR secretary, “not just on a matter of competence, but also on a matter of trust and confidence as a member of his official family.”

“Philex has committed to support President Duterte and his drive against illegal and irresponsible mining,” company senior vice president Michael Toledo said.