Miners condemn violence against environmentalists
The country’s top mining group has denounced any form of violence or killings of individuals that are against mining operations, saying that its members respect human rights.
MANILA, Philippines - The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has strongly condemned any form of violence or killings against individuals protesting against mining operations. The organization emphasized that its members uphold human rights and reject all forms of intimidation or harm towards those who oppose mining activities.
COMP stated that every member must adhere to its responsibility for sustainable mining, ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of stakeholders, as well as complying with laws requiring free prior and informed consent. The organization also engages in open and honest dialogues with community leaders and advocates to promote responsible mining practices that benefit local communities and the nation.
This stance comes in response to a recent Global Witness report, which cited the Philippines as the most dangerous country in Asia for environmental defenders, making it the 13th consecutive year the country has been included in this grim list. According to the report, six of the recorded killings in the Philippines were indigenous peoples, three were small-scale farmers, one was a journalist, and two others remain unidentified.
COMP, as one of the country's largest mining business chambers, is involved in extracting critical minerals like copper, nickel, and gold.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
