#WhyMining Conversation: Do mining and politics mix?

MANILA, Philippines – Join the #WhyMining online discussion on Friday, November 9, for a Twitter conversation on issues that involve mining firms and local politicians in provinces that host these business operations.

From 4 pm to 6 pm and using the hashtag #WhyMining, representatives of local governments, business, industry, environmental, non-government groups, students and others who have a stake in or opinion on mining issues will discuss the dynamics between politicians and private extractive business operating in far-flung areas.

This topic takes off from the two open-pit mining bans in Mindanao.

The South Cotabato provincial government has issued one, stopping the Tampakan copper-gold mine from starting operations. The governor has cited environmental concerns for the ban, which has also stopped the area from being a recipient of US$5.9 billion investments—the biggest in the industry.

The other was in Zamboanga del Norte where large-scale gold miner TVI Resources contested the provincial government’s ban. The Canadian mining firm won, but it continues to battle small-scale miners operating in a portion of its mining site in Zamboanga del Sur. Among the various interest groups supporting the small-scale miners are reportedly the local politicians.

While environment is a common reason behind these local governments’ edicts, so is politics.

As the 2013 mid-term election approaches, we ask: what happens when mining and politics mix? Are mining firms merely caught in the middle of warring politicians or are they active kingmakers, too? Who are the politicians genuinely concerned about the social and environmental interests of their constituencies when deciding whether to block or not mining operations? – Rappler.com