Mining and Minerals in the Philippines

Summary

The video script narrates a mythical tale of the Philippines' rich mineral deposits, bestowed by gods as a token of appreciation for the warm welcome they received. It highlights the country's significant reserves of gold, copper, nickel, and other valuable minerals, which have various industrial applications. The script also discusses the economic potential of the mining industry, contributing 2% to the national GDP and employing around 400,000 Filipinos. However, it raises concerns about the environmental impact and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the welfare of both current and future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Philippines is rich in mineral resources due to its location along the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, where vulcanism and plate movements are active.
• 🏆 It has some of the world's largest endowments of minerals such as copper, gold, nickel, and chromite.
• 🔍 Metallic minerals like chromite, nickel, and copper are used in a variety of applications including stainless steel production, batteries, and electrical wiring.
• 💎 Gold is not only a conductor but also plays a significant role in medicine and technology, such as in cell phones and computers.
• 🏘️ Non-metallic minerals like sand, gravel, and limestone are predominantly used in construction and art.
• 💰 The estimated value of the Philippines' top metallic mineral wealth is at least $840 billion.
• 👷‍♂️ The mining industry employs around 400,000 Filipinos, with 75% involved in small-scale mining.
• 📉 Mining contributes 2% to the national economy, and in 2011, the government collected 2 billion out of 1.2 trillion PES in total mining revenue.
• 📜 The Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942) allows 100% foreign ownership of the country's mineral resources, encouraging large-scale mining ventures.
• 💡 There is a debate over the benefits of mining, with some seeing it as a path to prosperity while others highlight its negative impacts on the environment and communities.
• ♻️ The script calls for vigilance and participation in decision-making to ensure sustainable mining practices for the benefit of current and future generations.

Q & A

Why did the gods decide to bury treasures in the Philippines according to the script?

The gods were touched by the hospitality, loyalty, and happy disposition of the little brown people in the Far East, particularly the Philippines, and decided to reward them by burying treasures in their lands.

What is the Philippines' location that contributes to its rich mineral deposits?

The Philippines is located along the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with active vulcanism and plate movements, which has led to the enrichment of both metallic and non-metallic minerals.

What percentage of the Philippines' total land area is believed to contain high-quality mineral deposits?

It is believed that 30% of the total land area of the Philippines contains a wide variety of high-quality mineral deposits.

What are the Philippines' rankings in terms of endowment of various metallic minerals?

The Philippines is ranked sixth in the world for chromite, fifth for nickel, fourth for copper, and third for gold.

What are some uses of the metallic minerals found in the Philippines?

Chromite is used in stainless steel production, paints, inks, and heating appliances. Nickel is used in guitar strings, magnets, rechargeable batteries, and stainless steel cookware. Copper is commonly used for electrical wiring, heating and cooling systems, and roofing. Gold is used in electronics, medicine, dentistry, and dermatology.

What are some of the more abundant non-metallic minerals found in the Philippines?

Some of the more abundant non-metallic minerals in the Philippines include sand, gravel, marble, clay, and limestone, which are mainly used for construction and are common in art and architecture.

What is the estimated value of the Philippines' top metallic mineral wealth?

The top metallic mineral wealth of the Philippines is estimated to be at least $840 billion.

How many Filipinos are employed in the mining industry, and what percentage are involved in small-scale mining?

Approximately 400,000 Filipinos are employed in the mining industry, with 75% involved in small-scale mining.

What does the Republic Act 7942, also known as the Mining Act of 1995, allow?

Republic Act 7942 grants 100% foreign beneficial ownership of the country's mineral resources, allowing foreign investors to venture into large-scale mining.

What was the government's revenue collection from the mining industry in 2011?

In 2011, the government collected 2 billion out of the 1.2 trillion PES total mining revenue.

What are some of the arguments against the mining industry in the Philippines?

Some arguments against the mining industry include making the poor poorer, causing environmental problems, displacing farming communities, and contributing minimally to the national economy.

What is the script's call to action for the future of the Philippines' mineral resources?

The script calls for vigilance, participation, and involvement to ensure that the right decisions are made regarding the country's mineral resources, considering the impact on both present and future generations.