Mine safety Ang Minero’s top priority

MANILA, Philippines - With its rich mineral deposits, the rising prices of metals and the entry of foreign investors, the Philippine mining industry may soon strike it rich.

Owing to its untapped copper, gold and chromate deposits which are considered one of the biggest in the world, the country has over $840 billion worth of mineral wealth just waiting to be discovered, according to the US State Department and the National Economic and Development Authority.

Because of this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said total investments in the mining industry may reach $18 billion by 2016.

But finding the proverbial pot of gold isn’t easy and comes at a price. For one, workers of the mining industry comprise only a small portion of the total labor force in the country. A 2006 government census found that only 134,000 or 0.4 percent of the country’s employees are connected with the mining industry.

Secondly, environmental disasters brought about by several accidents through the years have tarnished the face of mining. The devastating effects of some mining operations have not only affected miners and their families but local communities as well.

The problem is best described by the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development in “Mining in the Philippines and the effects on Occupational Health and Safety of Mine Workers” which said that:

“Mining poses tremendous risks to life and limb, not only to miners but to the community as well. Countless accidents have happened and have affected thousands of miners in our country, directly or indirectly caused by hazardous mining operations. There is a very high social cost of mining and the impact on the society is immeasurable.”

Hopefully, all that will change when the Ang Minero Party makes it to the party-list elections. Led by engineer Louie Sarmiento, president of the Sectoral Party of Ang Minero, the group aims to give miners a strong voice in Congress, push for much needed reforms in the mining industry, promote responsible mining and mine safety, and ensure that miners get what they deserve in terms of equal distribution of wealth.

“The mining industry is facing a lot of challenges these days, especially the public’s negative perception about it. That’s understandable in view of the shortcomings of short-scale mining laws and some mining companies who lack environmental programs and safety measures. This leads to many accidents,” Sarmiento said.

“Ang Minero’s entry in Congress is timely since it will serve as the lone voice in the wilderness that will protect the rights of miners and convince people of the importance of mining and its role in the country’s economic growth,” he added.

At No. 85 in the Commission on Elections’ certified list of candidates for the May polls, Ang Minero will represent mining workers and mining professionals and is committed to give them the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the country’s natural wealth through empowerment.

It also vows to work for social and economic reforms that will help protect, enhance and conserve the environment for future generations of Filipinos.