The Philippine mining industry remains committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, industry groups said.
The UN’s 17 SDGs provide a framework for tackling global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The mining industry can play a significant role in achieving these goals, according to the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP).
COMP, representing the country’s major mining companies, said it is committed to sustainability and adopted Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative in 2017. The program evaluates companies based on their environmental and social programs, aligning them with 11 of the 17 UN SDGs.
COMP chairman Michael Toledo said the group “is committed to continuously adapt to the ever-changing needs of our various stakeholders and the environment.”
The Philippines also stands out as an example of a country with strong regulations for the mining industry where before any project is approved, companies should present a social development management program (SDMP), a comprehensive plan for improving the lives of host and neighboring communities. This program is developed in partnership with community leaders, ensuring their needs and priorities are addressed.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said it focuses on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through tree-planting initiatives. As of 2020, PNIA member companies planted over 7 million trees, covering an area larger than the combined size of two major cities.
PNIA president Dante Bravo highlighted the longstanding efforts of mining companies in contributing to sustainable development, predating the UN SDGs with programs like the Philippine government’s SDMP and the Environment Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP).
“Our members partner closely with their stakeholders at the national and local levels to ensure that programs are not only implemented but are also sustainable,” said Bravo.
The groups said that by prioritizing community engagement, environmental protection and alignment with global goals like the UN SDGs, mining companies can make a positive impact on the lives of people and the planet.
Mining companies, in preparing the SDMP, team up with community leaders to identify the needs of their constituents. They then develop programs, projects and activities (PPAs) that best address these needs. The PPAs can focus on infrastructure, education, livelihood, health, and the promotion of socio-cultural awareness and values.
Industry representatives also said that mining companies were also contributing to the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) established in 2000 comprising 8 goals. The MDGs ran from 2000 until 2015 when it was succeeded by the UN SDGs.
