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Perspectives on Mining

in the Philippines

& the Canadian Connection

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Camille De Gracia�Phebe Ferrer�James Infante &�Rosanna Wisden

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Outline

  1. Background
  2. Key Events
  3. Our Methodologies & Research
  4. The Canadian Connection
  5. Q&A

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Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PH

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Source: University of Texas

Source: DENR, PH

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Source: DENR, PH

Source: DENR, PH

Source: DENR, PH

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June 30, 2016

President Duterte is �sworn into office.

June 30, 2016

Gina Lopez is appointed as the Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources�(DENR)

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Feb 3 & 14, 2017

May 2, 2017

The appointment of Gina Lopez is rejected by the Commission of Appointments

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May 8, 2017

Roy Cimatu, the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, is appointed by Duterte as the new DENR Secretary

DENR Secretary Lopez shuts down 28 out of 41 mining operations and suspends 75 of the country’s 311 mining licenses

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Aspiring Researchers to ‘Accidental Journalists’

Our in person/ Skype interview with the former DENR Secretary,

Gina Lopez at her house in Quezon City, Philippines

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Methodologies & Research

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1. Journalistic method

    • Following Current Events
    • Interview-based Research
    • Using our network as a research method

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Methodologies & Research

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2. Taking Perspectives of those involved in PH & CAN Mining:

  1. Mining Corporations
  2. The Philippine Government*
  3. Indigenous Groups
  4. Labour Unions
  5. Environmental / Activist Groups

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Mining Corporations

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  • Mining is a legitimate industry instead of shutting down or suspending the industry’s operations, keep mining operations accountable towards the community it operates in
  • Mining companies operating in the Philippines want stricter enforcement for both big-scale AND small-scale mining operations
  • Sanctity of contract between mining company and national government should be kept. Breach of this would impact future investments in the country

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Philippine Government*

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“Get Canadian Mines out of the Philippines, you’re not welcomed here!”

  • Gina Lopez, Former DENR Sec.

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Indigenous Groups

“(The) Cordilleras Peoples Alliance is not against the mines. We consider the mines, mining, as one of the pillars of development...We have done small scale mining, and we know the value of it. However, it is balanced mining. You only take out what you need. So what we are against is large corporate mining.”

  • Chandu Claver, Igorot, spokesperson for the Cordilleras Peoples Alliance.

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Labour Unions

“Indigenous communities have self-sustaining ways to create wealth through small scale mines; when MNCs come in, the work they receive is less”

  • Beth Dollaga, Social Justice Activist

(Beth Dollaga, far right of photo)

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Environmental/Activist Groups

“Mining affects the fragility of the environment...in the best of cases, it is a mess”

  • Dr. Justin Veuthey, PhD. Geography

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“We don't have an ongoing mining campaign in the Philippines at this time. We're afraid that we cannot provide comprehensive details about the issue.”

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  • Greenpeace Southeast Asia - Philippines

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The Canadian Connection

  • Involvement of Canadian-owned mining corporations

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  • Attention of Canadian-based groups

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  • Canada’s potential role

Bill C-584

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It is not a far away issue - it affects you and me

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Summary of Findings

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    • Mining is not a static issue, and it has multifaceted and nuanced perspectives
    • The issue is not in the rules, but in their enforcement
    • Consultation is key, UNDRIP, Free Prior & Informed Consent

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Read our Blog!

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Thank you!

Maraming Salamat Po.