Tampakan Mining: Danger Ahead

Summary

The transcript highlights the controversial Tampa mining project in the Philippines, which involves one of the world's largest open-pit mines. Despite previous local opposition and a 2010 ban on open-pit mining in South Cotabato, the government is reconsidering lifting this ban. Environmental concerns, threats to food security, water sources, and risks related to climate change are central issues raised by residents and civil society groups. The 2021 executive order lifting the ban on new mining projects has reignited fears about the environmental and human rights impacts of mining in the region.

Takeaways

• ⛏️ The Tampa Can gold and copper mining project is a major initiative led by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. and covers an area as large as the city of Manila.
• 🌍 This mining project is one of the largest open-pit mines globally, located across the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao del Sur.
• 🚧 Open-pit mining involves the removal of surface layers of mountains to extract minerals, which has significant environmental impacts.
• ✊ Local residents and civil society groups have opposed the project for years, leading to the 2010 South Cotabato code banning open-pit mining.
• 🔄 Despite the 2010 ban, the South Cotabato government is now reconsidering lifting the prohibition on open-pit mining.
• ⚖️ Activists argue that upholding the local environmental code is essential for protecting future generations and ensuring the safety of communities.
• 🚱 Concerns include threats to food security, water sources, and the risk of natural disasters, especially in light of climate change.
• 📢 The project faces criticism for not offering genuine, sustainable development and for disregarding environmental regulations and human rights.
• 📜 In 2021, a presidential executive order (EO 130) repealed the ban on new mineral agreements, which critics say makes opposing harmful mining projects more difficult.
• 🏛️ The South Cotabato government is at a crossroads: whether to uphold environmental protection or allow the resumption of destructive mining practices.

Q & A

What is the Tampakan Gold-Copper Project?

The Tampakan Gold-Copper Project is a large mining venture by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. It covers an area roughly the size of Manila and is considered one of the largest open-pit mining projects in the world, located across South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao del Sur in the Philippines.

What type of mining method does the Tampakan Project use, and why is it controversial?

The project uses open-pit mining, which involves excavating the surface of a mountain to extract minerals. This method is controversial due to its invasive nature and the environmental damage it causes.

How did residents and civil society groups initially respond to the Tampakan Project?

Residents and civil society groups opposed the project strongly, leading to the South Cotabato government passing a local code in 2010 that banned open-pit mining. Many believed this would permanently halt the project.

Why is there renewed concern about the Tampakan Project?

There is renewed concern because the government of South Cotabato is now considering lifting the ban on open-pit mining, which would allow the project to move forward despite past opposition.

What are the main environmental and social concerns associated with the project?

Key concerns include threats to the food supply, watersheds, and water sources, as well as potential harm to the safety and well-being of local communities. There are also worries about disregard for environmental regulations and human rights violations.

How does the project relate to the issue of climate change?

Opponents argue that the project increases the risk of disasters related to climate change, such as landslides and flooding, due to the extensive environmental degradation caused by open-pit mining.

What did the 2010 Provincial Environment Code of South Cotabato achieve?

The 2010 Provincial Environment Code implemented a ban on open-pit mining, which was seen as a major victory by opponents of the Tampakan Project, as it legally prohibited such mining methods in the province.

What recent developments have reignited the mining debate in the Philippines?

In 2021, the Philippine president signed Executive Order 130, which repealed the ban on new mineral agreements. This change in policy has made it more difficult for communities to oppose destructive mining projects, including the Tampakan Project.

Why do critics believe that Executive Order 130 is harmful?

Critics argue that Executive Order 130 is harmful because it opens the door for more mining projects, which can lead to environmental destruction and make it harder for local communities to fight against such projects.

What is at stake for the government of South Cotabato regarding the Tampakan Project?

The government of South Cotabato faces a critical decision: whether to lift the ban on open-pit mining and allow the Tampakan Project to proceed, or to stand by its previous commitment to protect the environment and its constituents.