Why can’t we?

Manny V. Pangilinan aka MVP recently asked the question in relation to mining in the Philippines: “If the South Africans, Australia, Indonesia and China operate their mining businesses well enough; if others can conduct their mining operations responsibly and sustainably, why can’t we?”

As the keynote speaker of the 2023 Mining Conference at the EDSA Shangri-la hotel, MVP raised and revived several mining-related issues and concerns that clearly need to be properly addressed based on research and correct policies.

What initially caught my attention was the fact that he started his speech by sharing a story from August 2012.

“Euls Austin, president of Philex Mining, called to report that due to two weeks of heavy rains, their tailing pond in Pacdal, south of Baguio, had developed a problem, resulting in significant amounts of water and mud escaping to the valley below.

“We decided – voluntarily, and without government prompting – to shut down all mining operations immediately and move swiftly to repair the damage and avert a major environmental crisis. That midnight I messaged President Noynoy Aquino about the mining accident, and the timely steps we’ve taken.

“There were no fatalities and PHILEX paid a fine to the government of more than P1 billion. Yes, for the first time in my career, I saw the inherent risks associated with mining. But more importantly, what responsible mining means in the face of a consequential crisis.”

Most speech writers, PR specialists and even public speakers would have advised against opening MVP’s speech with a negative narrative or a story that could be used against him or the mining industry. You let sleeping dogs lie, lest they bite you.

But as I read the printed version of MVP’s speech, I