Bishops challenge mining companies

Bishop Gutierrez (L) and Bishop Pueblos (R) with Clare Short MP [CAFOD]

Two Catholic bishops from the Philippines talk about the need for stricter controls on mining, and call for an end to destructive practices

Mining is a big issue in the Philippines, a country with vast resources of gold, copper, nickel and silver.

However, the mining industry has a poor record of environmental and human rights abuses – this is particularly true on the island of Mindanao, where CAFOD works.

Two Catholic bishops aim to change this by highlighting the need for stricter controls over foreign-owned mining companies active in the Philippines.

On a visit to the UK, they issued a challenge to end British investment in destructive mining during a presentation to the Houses of Parliament which was chaired by Clare Short MP.

Foreign benefits

The Philippines has seen a massive expansion in mining since the 1995 Mining Act was passed. The Act allows 100 per cent foreign ownership of mines – meaning that Filipino people get little or no benefit from the mining.

The Catholic Church plays a leading role in the campaign for repeal of the Act, with Catholic bishops leading campaigns for individual mines to be closed, and supporting local people in their efforts to defend their land from predatory mining companies.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel in Mindanao, says: “We have to care for the integrity of creation. We have to work with and for the people, especially those who are very poor.”

“The people are already opposing [the mining companies] and we are in the background. They are the principal agents of their own liberation."

Environmental disaster

Bishop Juan de Dios M Pueblos of Batuan in Mindanao says “Nature is groaning”, and that mining has been a “scarring” experience for the Philippines.

He says it has depleted natural resources, caused illness and led to increased militarisation. One example of this is a cyanide spill from a mine in Rapu Rapu which killed fish, destroyed coral and affected local people.

Fishermen have lost their livelihoods and many people are suffering skin diseases they blame on the spill. Bishop Pueblos insists international support is vital to the cause.

“Partnership is important,” he said. “We are doing our best – we are not just depending on you but our efforts alone are not enough.”

“Please help us to stop destructive mining in our country. You can help us protect our country by challenging British investment in destructive mining companies.”

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