Mining causes highest poverty incidence | Sun.Star.

August 3, 2012

“MINING does not address mass poverty,” said lawyer Christian Monsod, chair of National Agricultural and Fishery Council Committee on Climate Change, during Thursday’s forum on President Benigno Aquino’s Executive Order 79 in Cagayan de Oro.

Monsod said mining has the highest poverty incidence of 48.7 percent in any sector in the country like in the regions of Caraga, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol, where large scale mining operations thrive.

According to Monsod, Caraga has a poverty incidence of 47.7 percent followed by Bicol with 44.92 percent and Zamboanga Peninsula with 42.75 percent.

“The mining industry is correct in saying that the figures do not establish causality. But they do show an association between mining and poverty that at least raises questions on the claim that mining substantially improves life in their communities,” Monsod said.

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