Mining: Dansolihon, Misamis Oriental

Dansolihon is one of the Barangays of Cagayan de Oro City. The mining activities that is considered as environmental problem includes extraction of iron (magnetite and hematite), chromite, copper, and other minerals. A report from City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) that a certain area about 5 to 6 hectares of land area in Sitio Pasao, Barangay Dansolihon was destroyed due to illegal mining. Barangay Dansolihon faces different problems particularly large-scale and small-scale mining. The said mining operation uses hydraulic mining which involves high-pressure jets of water that dislodge rock material or minerals like gold, iron, copper, sediments and other minerals. Basically, this type of mining causes major flooding and landslides ( widening of the river, water slowed and deposition of sediments in floodplains & riverbeds), loss of high amount of water, destruction of natural and agricultural environment of the said barangay. In addition, it involves flattening mountaintops, creating huge holes or craters producing vast amount of waste. Mining in this barangay can have serious health implications especially people near the mining sites. According to the local community, they experience itching and skin rashes due to contaminated water which they gradually used for their farming. Other environmental effects include destruction of adjacent habitats as a result of discharges and emission caused by irresponsible mining; adverse or unfavorable changes of river in terms of ecology and pattern due to siltation, pollution, and flow modification; alteration of water table caused by water pump in groundwater especially Barangay Dansolihon has no well-developed water system; soil contamination from residues from mining treatment and chemicals that was spilled over the water system such as river and lakes within the area; change in landform or land degradation due to improper handling and inadequate rehabilitation of the area where mining is operating; abandoned equipment that were used in the mining operation which adds up the load of waste in the area especially the said Barangay is slowly developing; Air emissions that was generated from mineral processing activities; dust emission that affects the local community and residential areas near the mining activities; leaching of pollutants from residues, disposal areas and contaminated soils; release of methane from mines which is harmful to environment ( contributes to global warming which likely increases the overall temperature of the environment) and to humans ( cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, suffocation, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination and many others); sediment run-off from mining sites which result to soil erosion and landslides; non-environmental: forced relocation among people and the rights and political systems of indigenous communities is affected.
To address the problem environmentally sustainable mining should be developed and integrated to further reduce the environmental impact of mining operations of the said Barangay. These includes measures such as reducing water ( innovative water conservation practices that aims to reduce water use through using technology that recycles water) and energy consumption use through using mining technology that is less destructive, less detrimental to the environment, reduce energy consumption which can reduce greenhouse gases emissions & maintain fossil reserve in relation to reducing operating cost or the best thing to do is to conduct mine closure and reclaimation activities particularly by enforcing regulations against unregulated mining, illegal and undisciplined mining in order to restore the land that was degraded and disturbed so that these lands can be re-use by the local community for their farming and other uses. Improved recycling of materials and advances in technology should be implemented wherein it involves purification of air, water, and proper waste management (required in obtaining permit) through decomposition of waste materials, proposing waste management plans in order to designate areas for storage of high volumes of waste produced during mining operations, methods that eliminates wastes such as the use of cleaner production techniques, environmental control machinery, technological advancement and engineering process. The importance of a healthy environment within the community is the basis of sustainable development for future generations not just locally and national interest but for global development. As a student the best way to fight against mining is prevention because the longer the mining operates, the damage and impact it can contribute to society is much detrimental and massive. I will publicize or share the word about the impacts of mining within the community of Barangay Dansolihon such as toxic waste it can generate, chemicals such as cyanide can kill a person if ingested, rivers near the area will be affected due to toxic mine waste, the lost of the lives of the workers of the mining company especially if safety precautionary measures is not observed and imposed. If given a chance I will create a local organization that aims to protect the rights and welfare of the community and the environment. To make it possible the support of religious leaders and local individuals is important. In addition, the use of local media and social media is helpful in spreading awareness among the community. Educate the local government about the possible risks of the mining project particularly its effects on social, health, environmental, economic, cultural and many others. The importance of using the law and political process through the help of NGO by presenting legal cases against the mining company in accordance with the constitution. If the support is there, don't hesitate to file a case in line with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. In order to help the local community of Barangay Dansolihon, there are several alternatives to mining such as ecological tourism which creates jobs, making of handicrafts, hand-made soap and shampoo products, fish farming and egg production and many others.