Philippine environmental minister to be slams open-pit mining as ‘madness’

By Dale Benton
Share
Regina Lopez, the incoming head of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for the Philippines, believes extracting minerals through open...

Regina Lopez, the incoming head of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for the Philippines, believes extracting minerals through open pit mines is “madness” considering the environmental impact.

"Open-pit mining as in the use of explosives is horrific for the environment. It's a cheap way to extract. And for the top most country vulnerable to climate change its madness to even consider it," Lopez told Reuters.

"We must stop killing our future for the interests of a few."

Lopez has insisted that she would not fight to stop mining completely, rather she is interested in preventing “activity that causes suffering.”

"I will not allow any activity that disadvantages our farmers and fishermen. Food security and the quality of life of our people are the topmost priority," Lopez said.

Follow @MiningGlobal

Read the June 2016 issue of Mining Global magazine 

 

Share

Featured Articles

Rio Tinto completed its US$6.7bn acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, making it a key company in raw materials mining for batteries in the energy transition

Intel first began to work towards responsibly sourced conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries about 12 years

International Energy Forum says mining is the 'paradox' at heart of quest for clean energy but recognises the industry is addressing sustainability issues