Philippine environmental minister to be slams open-pit mining as ‘madness’
Regina Lopez, the incoming head of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for the Philippines, believes extracting minerals through open pit mines is “madness” considering the environmental impact.
"Open-pit mining as in the use of explosives is horrific for the environment. It's a cheap way to extract. And for the top most country vulnerable to climate change its madness to even consider it," Lopez told Reuters.
"We must stop killing our future for the interests of a few."
Lopez has insisted that she would not fight to stop mining completely, rather she is interested in preventing “activity that causes suffering.”
"I will not allow any activity that disadvantages our farmers and fishermen. Food security and the quality of life of our people are the topmost priority," Lopez said.
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