Science and technology (S&T) can make mineral extraction safe and sustainable. This is according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, said that responsible mining – one that is based on science and technology – can be a driver of the country’s economic development.
USec. Guevara represented the DOST in a recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with four state universities and colleges (SUCs) for the conduct of a research program that aims to ensure responsible mining in Mindanao.
The research program, titled “S&T Program for Responsible Mining in Mindanao,” aims for a socially-acceptable, economically viable, environment-friendly and ecologically sound mining in the region anchored on sound decision support system developed from information and technologies generated through research and development.
According to Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of the DOST, the Program will help Mindanao tap and utilize its rich mineral resources in a safe and sustainable manner.
“The economic importance of the local mining industry has been overshadowed by various problems such as unsafe mining practices, leakage from mine tailings, and encroachment in ancestral lands of indigenous people,” Dr. Guevara said. “This Program will help address these technical, environmental and socio-cultural issues.”
The Program is a collaboration among the DOST through PCIEERD, Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the SUCs, namely: Caraga State University (CSU), University of Southern Mindanao, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and Mindanao University of Science and Technology. DOST-PCIEERD and CHED are providing funding to the research program. DOST-PCIEERD is also responsible for monitoring the Program.
Mining with a conscience
The Philippines is among the most mineral-rich country in the world. According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country sits on an estimated $840 billion worth of untapped mineral wealth.
Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. of ButuanCity said that there are proper ways of extracting minerals from the earth without hurting the environment. “We will continue to promote economically viable, environment-friendly and ecologically sound mining – one that will serve as a benchmark for the country,” he said.
Dr. Joanna B. Cuenca, CSU President and overall program coordinator, added that responsible mining is mining with a conscience. “It is one that considers the cost of soil erosion, endemic species and other environmental concerns,” she said.
Dr. Greg Tangonan, as COMSTE representative, said that the S&T Program for Responsible Mining in Mindanao is a program with holistic view on mining.
Executive Order No. 79
Executive Order No. 79 was issued on July 6, 2012 by President Benigno S. Aquino III to institutionalize and implement reforms in the Philippine mining sector by providing policies and guidelines to ensure environmental protection and responsible mining in the utilization of mineral resources. On September 12, 2012, the DENR issued the implementing rules and regulations for EO 79. (Margarette T. Maceda, PCIEERD-RITTD)
The Department of Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Agreement with four state universities and colleges for the conduct of a research program that aims to ensure responsible mining in Mindanao.
Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, said that mining can be a driver of the country’s economic development and that science and technology can be used in safe mineral extraction.
For more information:
Dr. Virginia G. Novenario-Enriquez
Chief, Research Information and Technology Transfer Division
Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
Research and Development
Tel: (632) 837.2071-82 local 2102/2109
Fax: (632) 837.3168 / 837.6154
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