MINING ROCKS AND MINERALS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS
Trivia! - Each mining process has concomitant
environmental implications
- Philippines is the fifth most mineral- rich in
the world for gold, nickel, copper and - Ore extraction may lead to:
chromite. a. Landscape devastation
- The abundance of mineral is caused by the b. Loss of biodiversity
location of Philippines along the Ring of Fire. c. Formation of sinkholes
d. Pollution
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)
Tailings
- Philippines agency that oversees mining
- Waste materials from ore processing
activities in the country.
- Often contains harmful materials such as acids,
- Estimated that the Philippines has around 41-
cyanides, lead and mercury.
trillion pesos worth of untapped mineral
wealth. - May lead to pollution if not properly disposed and
may cause health hazards.
MINING PROCESS
1. Starts with the discovery of mineral ore. Health Effects of Toxic Exposures
Mineral Ores – Natural rocks or sediments which 1. Lead Poisoning - Causes neurological damage,
metals or other elements can be profitable physical growth impairment, nerve disorder,
recovered. anemia and may reduce IQ
2. Exploration - Aims to locate the concentration of 2. Mercury Poisoning - Affects the brain, kidneys and
the ore, define the extent of the concentration and lungs (2) Associated with gold and silver smelting
find out the value. 3. Silicosis - Inflammation and scarring of the lungs
3. Necessary requirements are put in place in due to inhalation of silica.
accordance with the existing guideline, such as 4. Black lungs - Caused by inhalation of coal dust
Philippine Mining Act of 1995. 5. Asbestosis - Respiratory disease caused by
4. Extraction - process of extracting useful materials inhalation of asbestos (May lead to cancer)
from the earth
Surface Mining - (1) May involve strip or open-pit THE PHILIPPINE MINING ACT OF 1995
mining (2) Removal of surface vegetation and layers (Republic Act 7942)
of bedrock to reach buried ore deposit. - Govern the exploration, development, utilization
Underground Mining – Consists of digging of and processing of all mineral’s resources within the
tunnels to reach buried ore deposits. territory and exclusive economic zone of the
5. Processing - a form of extractive metallurgy that Philippines.
separates valuable minerals from the ore into a - Provide strict adherence to sustainable
concentrated, marketable product. development
a. Physical method – includes crushing, grinding - Means that needs of the present should be met
and washing without compromising the capability of future
o Washing - Enables the separation of generations.
valuable metals & minerals from the waste
material called gangue.
b. Chemical method
o Smelting – heating and melting
o Electrolysis – uses a direct electric current
to create a chemical reaction.
MINING GUIDELINES
1. Mining activities must always be guided by
the best current practices in environmental
management to reduce the impact of mining
while efficiently and effectively protecting the
environment.
2. Mining activities shall be undertaken with the
due and equal regard for economic and
environmental considerations, as well as for
health, public safety, social and cultural
concerns.
MINES AND GEOSCIENCE BUREAU (MGB)
- Has the administrative jurisdiction and
responsibility over its regional offices with regard
to the implementation of RA 7942
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MGB
1. Management and administration of mineral
lands
2. Granting and cancelling mining permits
3. Enforcement and Monitoring of
Environmental Program (EWP)
4. Environmental Protection and Enhancement
Program (EPEP)
“Mining should be pro- people and
pro- environment in sustaining wealth creation
and improved quality of life,” (DENR, MGB)
