Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga urged the mining industry to rethink its approach to developing the country’s natural resources, emphasizing the need for innovation and evolution toward sustainability, stewardship, and resilience.
Speaking at a mining forum held in Makati City in June this year, she highlighted the critical balance between economic growth and environmental protection, particularly in the context of climate change.
“Our nation is at a pivotal juncture where the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection has never been more pressing. And while climate change has increased the complexity of risk across different scales and sectors, it also now represents opportunities for reform in this particular sector and industry,” Loyzaga stated.
The forum, titled “Pioneering the Green Transition: Advancing Sustainable Mining,” was organized by the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) as co-organizer. Among the dignitaries present were Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg, Business Sweden Vice President Emil Akander, Swedish Government Ambassador for Sustainable Business Cecilia Ekholm, and COMP and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Public Affairs Director Michael Toledo.
The discussions acknowledged the Philippines’ rich mineral resources, valued at between $0.4 to $1 trillion. Minerals such as gold, copper, and nickel, which are critical for manufacturing electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries, position the Philippines as a potential global leader in sustainable mining. Loyzaga emphasized the importance of leveraging these resources responsibly to ensure that the socio-economic benefits of mining extend to all Filipinos, particularly those in communities hosting mining operations.
Loyzaga underscored the forum’s role in fostering collaboration to advance Philippine development goals and fulfill international commitments, including the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biodiversity, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. She stressed the importance of integrating science, technology, and ecological considerations into mining operations, reducing carbon footprints, promoting biodiversity, and implementing effective waste management practices.
“These must not just be part of our regulatory requirements but must now become essential elements of a progressive and responsible mining sector,” Loyzaga said.
In her speech, the DENR Secretary highlighted biodiversity protection, low carbon development, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) as key components of the green transition for the mining industry. She pointed to DENR Administrative Order No. 2022-04, which mandates the integration of biodiversity management plans into mining operations, ensuring that conservation is a fundamental component of mining practices.
The department is also directing mining companies toward low-carbon technologies and nature-based solutions, alongside energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. A strategic mining forest program is also being implemented to address climate risks, with over 55 million seedlings planted across 50,000 mined-out areas as of May 2024, boasting a survival rate close to 90 percent.
Additionally, the PENCAS Law ensures the true value of the country’s natural resources and ecosystems, including minerals, is measured in terms of socio-economic development. It calls for the mitigation hierarchy in mining operations, emphasizing avoidance, minimization, restoration, and compensation for affected communities.
Loyzaga also expressed interest in learning from Sweden’s expertise in promoting scientific advancement, transparency, and sustainability in the mining sector. She highlighted the partnership between the Philippines and Sweden as a pathway to achieving the greatest net positive impact for both countries, particularly in the global push for resilience, low carbon development, and sustainability for future generations.
“In this regard, we have a very keen interest in learning today from Sweden’s long history and experience in promoting scientific advancement, transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the mining sector,” Loyzaga noted, adding that the collaboration will contribute to winning “this race to resilience, this race to a low carbon, and possibly net zero environment.” – research and report by Deriq T. Bernard
