Mining sector scores bishops for anti-development stand

MANILA, Philippines – The mining industry accused yesterday the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as being against the development of the country’s God-given natural resources after the prelates asked President Aquino to put an end to large-scale mining.

In a one-page statement, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CMP) said the CBCP’s appeal to stop the large-scale mining business in the country “points to the extremist view of the Catholic Church against developing the country’s God-given natural resources for the benefit of the people.”

“It is distressing that the Philippines is the only country in the world where the Catholic Church is against the development of God-given natural resources,” an industry official said.

The group cited Catholic countries that are benefiting from mining operations. Chile, the largest producer of copper, exports $29.9 billion of copper; Peru earns about $15.9 billion from its silver exports; and Brazil, one of the biggest producers of iron ore exports about $40.1 billion worth of the mineral.

These countries reportedly did not have to deal with strong opposition from the Catholic Church.

In the case of the Philippines, it has yet to develop its indigenous mineral resources and in recent years, it has sustained the industry’s growth momentum. The gross domestic product (GDP) contribution has reached 1.3 percent while exports have been recorded at $1.6 billion.

Capital investments of $3 billion have been made since 2004 and another $1 billion is expected within 2010.

The chamber also argued that mining generates income and employment for the community and with its multiplier effect, creates even greater economic value for society.

The CBCP supports small-scale mining, which is unregulated, the chamber said. They also do not contribute to the government’s tax revenue generation.

“Those conspiring to create uncertainties in the country’s investment environment are undermining the current administration’s efforts in promoting investments and placing its economic development plan in an untenable position,” the chamber said.

They reminded President Aquino that in his inaugural speech last June 30, he said that the country is ready to take its place as a member of the community of nations and that he would harmonize the nation’s interest with its international responsibilities.

The Philippines, he added, “will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say ‘it all works’.”

Last July 16, the CBCP sent a letter to President Aquino in which they reiterated their appeal that the government put an end to large-scale mining. The letter was sent two weeks before the President is to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). –Evelyn Z. Macairan (The Philippine Star)