Large-scale mining presents a huge challenge for the communities of the Asia-Pacific region. The development benefits are obvious but the risks are immense. The United Nations Development Program noted the potential the mining industry has in contributing to sustainable development in early 2016:
‘Mining is a global industry and is often located in remote and less-developed areas including many indigenous lands and territories. When managed appropriately, it can create jobs, spur innovation and bring investment and infrastructure at a game-changing scale over long time horizons. If managed poorly, mining can also lead to environmental degradation, displaced populations and increased conflict, among other challenges.’
(Mapping Mining to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Preliminary Atlas; UNDP)
The outcome of a ‘poorly managed’ approach can be seen in the example of the Philippines
‘The principle of Care for God’s Creation also entails that the “goods of the earth” are gifts from God, and they are intended by God for the benefit of everyone. We, as stewards and trustees-not merely consumers and users, have a responsibility to care for these goods. It involves a “social mortgage” that guides our use of the world’s goods. Large foreign mining companies and agribusiness corporations have used our country’s natural resources without care’.
(Lent: a time of renewal – Sparks Vol 49 No 1; January to March 2018; Official Publication of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines)
Gold Mining in the Philippines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3toaiSeG4A8
Effects of mining on communities in Philippines (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tOMQ0esXTM
The Sad Truth About Mining in the Philippines | Heal the Hurt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUxQaIyyLVg
Philippines shuts down mining operations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlrGdKgEbRc
Power and poverty in mining-affected indigenous communities-The Philippines
(Christian Aid)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIPMN4nH5ug – Christian Aid
Golden Gamble. Gold mining in the Philippines, a dirty business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITlsoo5Gl5c