Latest news with #PhilippineMiningActof1995
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local government shuts down major industry for 50 years in rare vote: 'This is a really big win'
It's common today that those in power favor businesses over people and profits over the planet. However, a local government in the Philippines recently proved that there are still people out there willing to defy those standards. Local officials in the province of Palawan unanimously voted to protect the mineral-rich region by banning new mining permits for the next five decades, Agence France-Presse reported. This eco-conscious act was a direct response to the national government's attempts to expand its mining efforts throughout the country. Palawan, known as "The Last Ecological Frontier" in the Philippines, is a gorgeous region teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Areas throughout the province are protected, and it contains numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks. It's also full of valuable minerals. One of the most valuable is nickel, which is a key element in electric vehicle batteries. The growing demand for EVs has increased the demand for nickel, and the Philippine government is hoping to capitalize by creating more mines. The Philippine Mining Act of 1995, however, essentially puts all the power in the hands of local governments. "This is a really big win not just for the people but for the environment, especially Palawan, which is our last frontier here in the Philippines," Jonila Castro, spokesperson for the Manila-based Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment, said. The vote does not ban current mines, of which there are 11, but it does also pause for 25 years renewal and expansion applications. While some argue that mining creates jobs and boosts the national economy, others say protecting the environment is more important. Conservationists in Palawan are concerned with flooding and deforestation caused by the mines as well as the displacement of the many Indigenous peoples in the province. The negative impacts of mining are affecting both people and the environment in many places around the world. The people of Palawan are unwilling to allow that to happen to them and their beautiful province. Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Philippines' Palawan approves 50-year ban on new mining permits
The local government in a resource-rich Philippine province has unanimously voted in favour of a 50-year ban on new mining permits, a decision its supporters said cannot be overridden by Manila. Palawan province, a UNESCO "biosphere reserve" known for its diverse flora and fauna, has become a hotbed for mining as the national government seeks to widen its market share for minerals like nickel, a key component of electric vehicle batteries. But locals have increasingly pushed back against new mine proposals, with environmental groups and activists pointing to effects ranging from deforestation and flooding to the displacement of Indigenous peoples. There are currently 11 mines operated in Palawan, but scores of applications are pending. Environmental lawyer Grizelda Anda, who worked in support of Wednesday's vote, said Manila would not be able to legally overrule the local government's decision, which now awaits the governor's signature. "The (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) provides that you have to get the endorsement of the LGU (local government unit)," she said. The new permit ban also imposes a 25-year pause on applications to renew or expand mining licenses. Existing mines can continue "as long as they do not increase their production" or move into new areas, Anda added. - 'A really big win' - "This is a really big win not just for the people but for the environment, especially Palawan, which is our last frontier here in the Philippines," said Jonila Castro, a spokesperson for the Manila-based Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment. "We hope that many other provinces will have the same moratorium." Palawan resident Jade Cabasag, 23, whose church advocated for the ban, told AFP she was one of about 100,000 people who had signed a petition in favour of it. "We are more than just a sector that values our faith, but we also value our environment," she said, adding she was proud she could help in her "own little way". But the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines criticised the vote, saying in a statement on Thursday that the environmental concerns were overblown given laws it said provided "stringent" safeguards. The decision would also limit "the country's ability to plan and strategise about its mineral wealth at a time when the global demand for critical minerals is rising", it said. "The Philippine government has a responsibility to the people to develop its mineral resources responsibly for the good of the many. Palawan cannot and should not limit the national government's ability to do so." But mid-term elections in May, when 10 of the Palawan board's 11 members are up for re-election, could see the new ban undone if there is a dramatic shift in the body's makeup. cgm/pam/cwl/dhw
Khaleej Times
06-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Philippines' Palawan approves 50-year ban on new mining permits
The local government in a resource-rich Philippine province has unanimously voted in favour of a 50-year ban on new mining permits, a decision its supporters said cannot be overridden by Manila. Palawan province, a UNESCO "biosphere reserve" known for its diverse flora and fauna, has become a hotbed for mining as the national government seeks to widen its market share for minerals like nickel, a key component of electric vehicle batteries. But locals have increasingly pushed back against new mine proposals, with environmental groups and activists pointing to effects ranging from deforestation and flooding to the displacement of Indigenous peoples. There are currently 11 mines operated in Palawan, but scores of applications are pending. Environmental lawyer Grizelda Anda, who worked in support of Wednesday's vote, said Manila would not be able to legally overrule the local government's decision, which now awaits the governor's signature. "The (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) provides that you have to get the endorsement of the LGU (local government unit)," she said. The new permit ban also imposes a 25-year pause on applications to renew or expand mining licenses. Existing mines can continue "as long as they do not increase their production" or move into new areas, Anda added. A really big win "This is a really big win not just for the people but for the environment, especially Palawan, which is our last frontier here in the Philippines," said Jonila Castro, a spokesperson for the Manila-based Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment. "We hope that many other provinces will have the same moratorium." Palawan resident Jade Cabasag, 23, whose church advocated for the ban, told AFP she was one of about 100,000 people who had signed a petition in favour of it. "We are more than just a sector that values our faith, but we also value our environment," she said, adding she was proud she could help in her "own little way". But the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines criticised the vote, saying in a statement on Thursday that the environmental concerns were overblown given laws it said provided "stringent" safeguards. The decision would also limit "the country's ability to plan and strategise about its mineral wealth at a time when the global demand for critical minerals is rising", it said. "The Philippine government has a responsibility to the people to develop its mineral resources responsibly for the good of the many. Palawan cannot and should not limit the national government's ability to do so." But mid-term elections in May, when 10 of the Palawan board's 11 members are up for re-election, could see the new ban undone if there is a dramatic shift in the body's makeup.
