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Responsible mining is a key to growing the economy – Duterte spokesperson


The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is committed to promoting a robust and dynamic economy, with every sector contributing to its growth including mining, Ernie Abella, the incoming presidential spokesperson, said on Thursday.

"Responsible mining plays a key role in the Philippines," Abella told reporters at a briefing in Davao City.

"The key word here is responsible. And our President has made his position very clear: 'You have to do it right. If you cannot do it right, then get out of mining'," he added.

Abella noted that the President-elect Duterte has emphasized the application of responsible mining standards similar to those of Canada and Australia to ensure that the environment is protected.

Capping a two-day business meeting on Tuesday, the President-elect issued a no-nonsense warning against irresponsible mining.

"For I will require you to go to Canada or Australia... Learn how to mine the precious metals... In making money out of the earth...you have to do it right. If you cannot do it right then get out."

However, Abella emphasized on Thursday that Duterte is not anti-mining.

"... He supports every venture that contributes to the health of the Philippine economy. However, he is very clear that whatever venture we go into it must be in a responsible manner. But he is not anti-mining, definitely not," Abella said.
Abella noted that responsible mining is taking care of the environment.

"Mga punong kahoy... that is supposed to be replanted. That is the responsible way of doing it, but irresponsible mining will just leave it like that. The other one is when they extract precious metals, they usually use toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals go into the water... and eaten by the fish – that is very irresponsible," he said.

"What the President is demanding is that all those who do that must be very clear that they do not leave toxic materials around, ganun po ang responsible mining," he added.

On splitting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources into two departments, with one handling regulation over geosciences and mining, Abella noted it would be taken into consideration by the Cabinet.

"I'm sure they will take note of that suggestion," he said. – Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News

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