Digging Deeper into the Mining Industry
By Paul Catiang

As a country that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire—the collection of volcanic islands surrounding the Pacific Ocean—the Philippines is blessed with nine million hectares of potential mining land. In 2002, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated the country's gold reserves at 967,180,197 metric tons (MT), while copper was put at 5,301,507,657 MT—easily the fifth largest gold and copper deposits in the world. Despite such natural resources, however, mining in the Philippines has been called one of the more underrated industries in the country.

On September 16, 2006, at the monthly John Clements Sales and Production conference, Mr. Kennedy “Ed” Coronel shared his insights on the local mining industry with the human resources firm to give them a closer look at the issues surrounding mining in the Philippines , and the concerns faced by the people who work in the industry. Mr. Coronel described himself as an individual who was called from corporate accounting to take on a role in corporate social responsibility and community development.

Mining, especially in the Philippines , is automatically seen for the drawbacks that are normally assumed to come with it: environmental damage, displaced indigenous people, high-risk working conditions. By putting mining in the context of social responsibility and community development, the industry becomes more conscious of its role in possibly the local economy while making itself conscientious when it comes to complying with environmental laws.

And the risks and sacrifices are indeed numerous. On-site miners for a standard dig lasting three weeks are on the job for the entire duration, not just during their shifts. This also means less time with their families and more time in a predominantly male industry, which leads to some cases of cabin fever due to a lack of recreation through which miners may blow off steam. This is, of course, in addition to any accidents that may occur on-site or any violent encounters with armed insurgents.

The rewards, however, are just as many. Mr. Coronel began with the price of gold alone: US$ 600 per ounce. He also brought the discussion down to everyday objects; mining is attached to everyday living, he said. Coal produces petroleum, which in turn produces plastics and fiber, which are made into everyday items we all use.