Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology Vol.

13 (2015) 75-98

Mining Industry in Northern Mindanao:

Its Environmental, Social and Health Impact
Toward Responsible Mining
Oliva P. Canencia1*, Nenita D. Palmes1, Socorro M. Ibonia1,
Wendell D. Talampas1, Venus A. Lammawin2,
Gilliane F. Kawaling1, Sheryl S. Yañez1,
and Mary Jean Salvaña1
1
Mindanao University of Science and Technology
C.M. Recto Avenue, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Philippines
2
Camiguin Polytechnic State College, Camiguin
Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin, 9100 Philippines
*bing_cans@yahoo.com
Date received: March 9, 2014
Revision accepted: July 5, 2015

Abstract
The study focused on analyzing the entire dynamics of small-scale mining in
Northern Mindanao by looking at the impact of mining on the community in terms of
environmental, socio-cultural, economics, production-market flow and health toward
responsible mining. The survey was conducted through a survey and ocular visit in
the mining sites namely: (1) Gango, Libona, Bukidnon, (2) Barangay Tumpagon and
(3) Barangay Pigsag-an in Cagayan de Oro City, (4) Nangcaon, Opol, Misamis
Oriental, and (5) Rogongon, Iligan City, and had a total of 1,405 respondents who
were involved in mining and 60 key informants (barangay officials) who participated
in the discussion during the FGD. Results of the survey indicated that mining is the
main source of income among the respondents from the five mining areas. In a
specific mining site of Gango, drift mining with tunneling system or underground
mining is more appropriate and preferred to this kind of mining area. The other four
mining sites engage in gold panning activities due to its location along the Iponan
River. ANOVA results revealed that gold production differed significantly with
respect to the mining sites. Regression analysis showed the method of mining is the
most important predictor that contributed significantly to gold production with the
highest gold value of 24 karats. In the aspect of health, most miners from the five
selected areas are aware of the health risks and hazards associated with mining.
Most of them have experienced fracture, exacerbate shoulders, and fatigue.
Moreover, environmental impacts commonly mentioned by the respondents were
landslide, flash floods, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, loss of organic fertility and
soil-water contamination.

Keywords: small-scale mining, responsible mining, Northern Mindanao

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1. Introduction

Mining and responsible mining initiatives/practices had been identified as

very poor record in the Philippines in terms of scientific or empirical data
support from scientists, researchers, investors and policy makers. Similarly,
this limited scientific output may be attributed to multi-dimensional factors
“in question” that mining operations may be totally suspended or stopped,
that mining may be continued or sustained, that mining may be rationalized
its policies locally and nationally; that mining should be ecologically sound
and or balance the concerns of the environment and protection and economic
gains. These propositions are hypothetical and require further studies.

Furthermore, mining has a large potential for economic growth and

development. It is a global industry creating jobs and wealth for the country.
Meanwhile, records showed that 35 million people are employed in mineral
extraction across the globe, both in large-scale mines owned by international
companies and small-scale/artisanal mining.

According to the recent study made by Israel (2011), the country stands to
give more economic benefits from mining by focusing on value addition
particularly in terms of downstream processing and manufacturing activities.
However, the report also showed that the sector is faced with issues well
beyond question of return on investment (ROI) (Angara, 2012). This issue
may not be limited only on how much monetary gain can be made but
further studies must be examined on the aspects of socio-economics, socio-
cultural, socio-political and environmental impacts of mining in Mindanao.

Moreover, Mindanao in particular is known to have inexhaustible wealth of

natural minerals. Unfortunately, harmful mining activities that employ crude
practices will not only deplete the country’s rich mineral resources, but this
can diminish development prospects, (Angara, 2012). In Northern Mindanao,
particularly Bukidnon, the Provincial Government has urged the group of
small scale miners in Sitio Manlauyan, Barangay Gango, Libona to produce
the requirements for the declaration of 58 hectares in the area as “Minahan
ng Bayan”, that would accommodate the mining operation from the created
mining association, organization in Bukidnon. However, the status of their
application has not been granted up to this time due to conflict in terms of
land use, conflict between the intention and mining operations over the same
piece of land.

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In the light of these scenarios, these issues can be critically examined

together with integrated impact of mining and how mining operations are
affecting social factors (as economics, culture, health and policy concerns)
and physical environment such as loss of biodiversity habitat, surface and
ground water contamination, etc. Likewise, mining related activities can
impact local communities both IP’s and non-IPs through cultural
adjustments due to the presence of various miners in the area.

It is in the context of this study to build on several efforts to identify

environmentally and socially responsible mining practices initiated or
undertaken by industries, NGO’s, tribal communities, academic communities
and the like. Along this thought, it is imperative to generate baseline
information related to multi-faceted factors/variables in the four (4) areas of
social aspects of mining including program intervention for responsible
mining in Northern Mindanao.

More specifically, this study aims to: (1) assess and analyze the socio-
economic situation and impacts of mining in terms of sources of income,
number of years engaged in mining, methods of mining, and purification
method; (2) determine the socio-cultural characteristics and impacts of
mining in terms of ethnic origin, cultural belief system and many others; (3)
determine the volume of production of mining per visit; (4) determine if
there is a significant relationship between the volume of gold production and
related predictors on the number of years in mining, methods used in mining,
and belief in rituals; (5) assess the health hazards and impacts of mining; and
(6) identify practices or initiatives of responsible mining among GOs, NGOs
and LGUs.

2. Methodology

2.1 Research Site / Area of the Study

The actual research site was the Iponan River interconnected watershed that
encompasses the gold mining/panning sites in the upperstream areas of
Gango, Libona in Bukidnon, Tumpagon and Pigsag-an in Cagayan de Oro
City, Nangcaon, Opol Misamis Oriental and Rogongon, Iligan City.

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2.2 Sampling Plan

A proportionate random sampling was done in the selection of the

respondents, a total of 1405 respondents who were involved in mining was
included in the study. Interview on policies related to mining was conducted
to every mining site. Participants were the barangay officials in every mining
sites as key informants. A total of 60 barangay officials participated in the
discussion.

2.3 Instrumentation and Method of Data Collection

This study employed both primary and secondary data. The main instrument
was an 8-page questionnaire which deals with the socio-economics, socio-
cultural, production to market, health and safety standards, and
environmental impact.

2.4 Methods of Data Analysis

The study used Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. Descriptive statistics

was used to determine the socio-cultural, economic and health impacts. The
test of significant differences of variables was appropriated for a certain
inferences of results. Data processing involved three steps: coding, data entry
and table generation. Data analysis was done through SPSS.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Socio-economic Profile

3.1.1 Sources of Income

Table 1 shows the main sources of income of the respondents on the five
mining areas. It was observed that mining is the primary source of income
among all areas. Tumpagon obtained the highest number of respondents
(346) or 93.1% whose main source of income is mining and only two percent
considered mining as their secondary source. This is followed by Gango,
Bukidnon (93%). The data suggest that residents in the mining sites are
actually involved in mining activities either as a main source or a secondary
source of livelihood. About 10% of those whose main source of income is
non-mining, had engaged to mining activities as their secondary source of
income, while about 25% of the miners had engaged in non-mining activities

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as their secondary source of income. Also, about 60% of the respondents

relies solely on mining as their source of income. Secondary sources of
income include farming, business like sari-sari store and construction
laborers. Over-all, about 85% of the respondents had mining as their primary
source of income and only 11% were engaged in non-mining activities. For
those 156 who were engaged in non-mining activities as their primary source
of income, 136 or 87% were engaged in mining as their secondary source of
income. The data show that the residents in these areas depend more on
mining as their source of livelihood.

Table 1. Sources of Income

Income Mining Sites’ Mining Non Mining No Answer

Population n % n % n %
(N)
Main Source
(Mining)
Gango 400 372 93.0 13 3.2 15 3.8
Tumpagon 346 324 93.1 13 3.2 9 2.6
Nangcaon 295 228 77.3 56 19.0 11 3.7
Pigsag-an 195 167 85.6 21 10.8 7 3.6
Rogongon 169 104 61.5 53 31.4 12 7.1
Total 1405 1195 85.1 156 11.1 54 3.8
Secondary Source (Farming, sari-sari store, etc.)
Gango 400 8 2.0 34 8.5 358 89.5
Tumpagon 346 7 2.0 67 19.4 272 78.6
Nangcaon 295 52 17.6 128 43.4 115 39.0
Pigsag-an 195 22 11.3 67 34.4 106 54.4
Rogongon 169 47 27.8 50 29.6 72 42.6
Total 1405 136 9.7 346 24.6 923 65.7
χ2 = 232.355* *p < .05 df = 3

These aforementioned data are supported with the statement of Rolfe (2007)
on her study on “Social and Economic Impact of Mining”, that a certain
source of livelihood in the locality can boost economic and social growth in
general, thus it has a greater impact to the community where the mining
industry is locally situated. This finding on the main livelihood as miners
gives general implication toward resource utilization like the presence of
mineral ores in the locality which can serve as an opportunity for settlers as
main source of income.

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Application of χ2-test revealed significant differences on the sources of

income by mining sites (χ2 = 232.355) at .05 level. This finding indicates
that there is high association between the respondents’ source of income as
miners and the mining site. In essence, the said mining area is dominated
with miners as their main source of income or livelihood. Similarly in this
finding, John Roefi and Stewart Leckie (2007), supported this claim when
they reported that utilization of resources in their locality can be a potential
source of income.

Furthermore, brgy. Gango had the highest daily income average of PhP
500.00 among the respondents everytime they work. Among the five (5)
mining sites, Gango also obtained the highest generated income from
mining, since it is already an established-mining area and has even applied
for the Minahan ng Bayan in the Bukidnon Provincial Government in 2011.

3.1.2 Respondents’ Engaged in Mining and the Number of Years in the

Mining Sector

Eighty-five percent of miners belongs to brgy. Rogongon, Iligan City,

considering their large land area of 285.034 square kilometers (28,503.4 ha.)
and population of more than 7,000. Although Pigsag-an has the least
percentage (63%) of miners compared to the other mining areas, nonetheless,
more than half of their population are involved in mining activities. With
regards to the number of years’ experience in mining, Pigsag-an is
considered the highest (median = 19 years), since most of the respondents
are natives in the area and have been mining for a long time. This is similarly
with Tumpagon and Nangcaon (14-19 years engage in mining), due to the
fact that the mining areas are basically adjacent to one another. Gango on the
other hand has the least average number of years primarily because there are
more migrants in the area. These migrants moved or traversed from one
mining site to the other or vice versa in order to participate in the mining
activities.

Generally, this finding implies that the larger the number of the mining
areas, the higher the opportunity of the local residents/settlers to mine.
Further, there can be a possibility for migrant miners to traverse the mining
sites of Tumpagon, Nangcaon, Pigsag-an, Rogongon and vice versa, since
these areas are geographically bordering the provinces of Misamis Oriental
and Lanao del Norte.

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3.1.3 Methods of Mining Used by Miners

The methods of mining depend greatly on the geographic characteristics of

the location. As presented in Table 2, out of the five mining areas, Gango,
Libona is the only area that practices tunneling since the mining sites are not
near river system and their topography ranges from flat to very steep hills.
While brgys. Nangcaon, Pigsag-an, Tumpagon, and Rogongon are into gold
panning, because these areas can be found along the river.

Furthermore, the methods of gold mining for small-scale mining industries

in Northern Mindanao have been identified as a major problem on the
aspects of environmental pollution and degradation. Generally, gold panning
as commonly used by the local residents and seasoned gold miners is usually
a manual technique of separating gold from other materials. These ground
materials, being left over in the river system, continue to contaminate the
Iponan River ecosystem with high loads of sediments and continue to
increase suspended deposition that could bring about river bed shallowing
and scouring. With those aforementioned methods of mining, siltation also
poses danger to fish and other aquatic life as silts which also clog gills,
lessen sunlight penetration affecting photosynthesis and lower water
temperature and decreasing water habitat productivity.

Table 2. Methods of Mining

Methods Frequency Percent

Gango (N = 400)
Tunneling 394 98.50
Panning / Gold Washing 3 0.75
Other Mining Sites (N = 1005)
Panning 978 97.31
Flushing / sluicing 23 2.29
Panning and flushing 18 1.79
Tunneling 3 0.30

Moreover, majority of the respondents practice indigenous ways in their

purification method, specifically in Gango where about 57% of the miners
observed the use of leaves (tuog), soap, water and vinegar. Their application
for the Minahan ng Bayan is one of the factors why indigenous practices are
widely-practiced. Moreover, the use of mercury in any mining activities is
strongly prohibited, yet there is still a mere portion of the population using

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mercury. For the other mining sites, the use of water to remove other
impurities is a common method as well as bilingan or panning because it
would serve as a strainer.

3.2 Socio-cultural Profile

3.2.1 Performance of Rituals during Mining

Table 3 shows the ritual practices of the respondents with regards to mining
activities in their respective areas. Only 15.87% of the respondents perform
rituals before engaging in any mining activities and their usual practices
include the offering of slaughtered animals, prayers and food offering.
Tradition and their culture are the main factors as to why most respondents
believe in performing rituals, contrary to those who do not believe in rituals
where they answer that hard work is more important than any rituals of good
luck.
Table 3. Performance of Rituals

Indicators N=1405 Frequency Percent

Performing Rituals 223 15.87
Kind of Rituals
Food offering 34 2.4
Prayers 44 3.1
Offering of slaughtered animals 132 9.4
Believe in Rituals 320 22.8
Reasons
If YES, why?
For luck 61 4.3
Gift/payment for the earth elementals 21 1.5
More blessings 2 0.1
Thanksgiving 4 0.3
To keep the workers from harm 22 1.6
Tradition 103 7.3
If NO, why?
Against the teachings of the church 33 2.3
Rituals are not effective 24 1.7
Hard work 63 4.5
Does not believe 19 1.4
χ2 = 81.572* df = 3 *p < .05

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Generally, these aforementioned statements are supported by Castro (2006)

that IP’s had evolved worship rituals and traditional knowledge in any field
of endeavor. These rituals are accompanied with belief and knowledge
system and transmitted to some members or local indigenous communities.
Practicing rituals before mining when grouped by mining sites showed
significant differences at .05 level.

3.2.2 Presence of Mining Groups and their Operation to IPs and Non-IP
Territories/Amenities

Table 4 shows the effects or impact of mining in the selected communities. It

indicates that almost all respondents have not experienced displacement. For
those who were displaced, majority of them left the area because they were
arrested and their mining equipment and tools were confiscated. Some of
them also needed to leave because there were warnings and orders to stop
any mining activities. Other reasons of displacement included the critical
status of the area, lacking of approved documents resulting to the illegality
of mining activities, and because they don’t own the land. Out of all the five
selected mining areas, Nangcaon and Rogongon have processed their
Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) application; specifically,
Nangcaon is in its final process while Rogongon is in its 3rd reading.
Tumpagon and Pigsag-an mining areas were awarded contracts for the
Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) which is renewable for 25
years. There is an ongoing dispute regarding the land ownership in Gango’s
location of the Minahan ng Bayan, that’s why their application for CADT is
deferred.

Table 4. Presence of Mining Firms and their Operation to IPs and Non-IP
Territories/Amenities

Indicators N=1405 Frequency Percent

Experience displacement
Yes 34 2.4
No 1369 97.4
Mining activity brought changes
Yes 455 32.4
No 950 67.6
In favor of mining activities within locality
Yes 1224 87.1
No 180 12.8
χ2 = 517.699* df = 3 *p < .05

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As to the changes in their way of life brought by mining activity, more than
half of the respondents, with 67.6%, believed that mining hasn’t brought any
changes in their lives. They reasoned that the money they get from mining is
still not enough to meet their daily needs because they have small yields and
thus low income. Others implied that they have too many dependents with so
many expenses. However, Barangay Gango has a more positive assessment
on mining activities since 399 of respondents (n=400) answered that mining
has improved their lives. Some indicators of these changes included (1) the
ownership of a house/car; (2) children going to school; (3) enough money to
satisfy their daily needs; (4) ownership of a small business; and (5) spare
money to be sent to families in the provinces.

Even though more than half of the respondents said that mining hasn’t
changed their lives, majority of them are in favor of mining in their locality.
87.1% of them would want mining activities to go on in their community
since it is their main source of income and can help support their families.
Moreover, several respondents who are also engaged in farming said the
income they get from mining is a big help to them while they are waiting for
farm harvests. These differences of opinion differed significantly at .05 level
(χ2 = 517.699, df = 3).

3.3 Production – Market Distribution

3.3.1 Gold Yield of Mining per Visit

Table 5 indicates that Gango mining sites have more yield compared to the
other sites with an average of 2.694 g per visit. Gango miners can go as
much as 200 g. Furthermore, it has the highest maximum and minimum yield
of all five mining sites. Gango has a more established mining system, the
money they get from it doesn’t necessarily come from gold yield, rather,
they get it through paid labor as abantero or atrasero. This is different from
the other four mining areas where the miners get to keep and sell their own
yield. This is followed by Tumpagon which has an average yield of .209 g.
Notably, almost all respondents from this area consider mining as their main
source of income, almost all members of the family including children took
the free gold mining along the upper source of Iponan River where the
common method of mining is panning and free gold is made available all the
time.

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Table 5. Gold Yield in Grams By Mining Sites Per Visit

Mining Sites N Mean Standard Minimum Maximum

Deviation Yield Yield
Gango 337 2.694 13.27 2 x 10-4 200.0
Pigsag-an 181 0.017 0.74 .003 1.0
Nangcaon 240 0.032 0.27 .001 4.0
-4
Rogongon 116 0.166 0.55 3 x 10 5.0
Tumpagon 319 0.204 1.64 .001 20.0
F = 8.015* df = 4 *p < .05

One-way Analysis of Variance (F = 8.015, df = 4) reveal that the gold

yield/production differed significantly with respect to the mining sites at .05
level of significance.

3.3.2 Methods of Marketing Gold

Table 6 shows that majority of the respondents sell their yield to a middle
man or a local buyer and only 13% are into the direct selling of their gold.
Furthermore, cash is the most common term of payment and only very few
of the respondents sell it through credit or payment for debt. This indicates
that the respondents have sufficient income to not resorting to debt.

Table 6. Methods of Marketing Gold

Methods Frequency Percent

Presence of middle man (local buyer) 1313 93.5
Direct selling 183 13.0
Black market 1 0.1

The presence of middlemen or local buyers who willingly offered credit to

the miners in times of dire need and necessity to feed their family
compromise assurance of payment every time the miners get gold from
mining. Hence, the preference of miners for the marketing of available free
gold are the middlemen or local buyers. It was found out that there are no
direct buyers of gold which give a better price advantageous to the miners.

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3.3.3 Problems Encountered in Gold Mining Production, Marketing and

Financing

Figure 1 presents the categorized problems encountered in gold mining in

terms of production level, marketing and financing aspects. Findings reveal
that the common problems in mining is the low production where 68% of the
respondents affirmed as their main problem in gold mining. This is due to
the unavailability of tools and equipment specific to Gango mining sites,
where there are also specific tools and materials that the local
residents/miners cannot afford to purchase. Furthermore, Gango miners
traditionally practiced tunneling which requires investment of capital to be
able to equip themselves in structuring or re-structuring the tunnels
underground. Hence, there is a relationship of the production level and
financing aspects and the slow return of investment due to marketing
problem. The common problem in marketing is the low pricing of due to the
presence of middlemen as buyers of gold.

Figure 1. Problems Encountered in Gold Mining Production,

Marketing and Financing

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For small-scale mining specifically Tumpagon and the like, where there is an
absence of regulations and appropriate policies, several problems arise most
specifically in the production, marketing and financing of gold. The most
common problems that miners experienced in these areas are the low
production and low price of gold and as a result, there is a slow return of
their investment. Low production of gold can be attributed to the current
scenario of the mining areas where there are more miners now than in the
previous years, specially on the arrival of numerous migrants. Because of
this, competition among miners on the production of gold becomes tighter.
The low pricing of gold is another problem that miners face. According to
the respondents, there are buyers or middlemen who refuse to buy gold if the
yield is only below five grams. Arguably, when the miners sell their yield to
end-users, such as pawnshops and jewelry stores, they will be given a much
higher price for the gold.

3.3.4 Mining Taxes and Other Tax Related Issues

As shown in Table 7, 19.75% of Gango’s respondents pay taxes with an

average of 5% tax rate. There is a big difference on the payment of taxes
between Gango and the other mining sites where only 0.8% or almost 1% of
the population of the four mining sites pays taxes.

Table 7. Taxes and Other Tax Related Issues

Indicators Frequency Percent

Payment of Taxes
Gango 79 19.75
Other Mining Sites 8 0.80
Tax Rate (Gango)
5% 4 0.40
Where to Pay
Gango
Municipality of Libona 34 8.5
Other Mining Site
City Hall 2 0.20

In Gango, tunnel owners, bullmill owners, gold buyers, jewelers and gold
processing owners are required to pay taxes per year. Their taxes, with a tax
rate of 5%, are usually paid in the Municipality of Libona. Tax from mining

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as well as the nonpayment of tax from other small-scale mining areas is one
of the many factors why the mining’s contribution to the Gross Domestic
Product is merely one percent (Asia News Monitor, 2014).

There is a pronounced difference between Gango and the other mining sites
when it comes to income sufficiency: as such, 74.5% of Gango’s population
has sufficient income while only a total of 16.2% from the other mining sites
has sufficient income. Those who have sufficient income reasoned out that
their earnings can still be budgeted, enough to buy food, pay debts, and meet
other necessities. Income sufficiency in Gango is usually related to the
continuous work provided by the tunnel owners.

3.3.5 Gold Production

3.3.5.1 Regression Analysis Output Between Gold Production and Related

Predictors (Number of years in Mining and the Method Used in
Mining)

Results of the regression analysis presented in Table 8 reveal that two out of
six predictors contributed significantly to the gold production of the miners.
The most important predictor is the method used in mining. This indicates
that the miners who used tunneling as their method of mining yielded more
gold than those who practiced gold panning. Obviously, large scale mining
yielded more gold than the small-scale mining. The regression coefficient of
.030 with regards to the number of years engaged in mining suggests that
those who are more experienced yield more gold than those who are new in
the said venture.

Table 8. Regression Analysis Output Between Gold Production and

Related Predictors

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To determine the magnitude of influence of the significant predictors for

gold yield, the F-value yielded 5.008 which is significant at α.05. This
means that taken jointly the six predictors, formed a very significant set of
predictors for gold production. Moreover, 3.7% (R2=.037) of the variance in
the observed responses is explained by the joint effects of the six predictors
considered with most of the variance explained by the two significant
predictors.

3.3.5.2 Regression Analysis Output Between GoldProduction and Related

Predictors (EthnicOrigin, Rituals and Belief)

Results from the regression analysis identified ethnic origin as best single
predictor for gold production. The computed regression coefficient of 1.091
shows that non-Higaonon tribes which consist of Cebuano, Visaya and
others have more gold production than the Higaonon tribes. Practicing rituals
and the belief of practicing rituals did not contribute effectively to the
increase of production.

Table 9. Regression Analysis Output Between Gold Production and Some Related
Predictors (Ethnice, Practice of Rituals and Belief)

Predictors Regression Standard Standardized t p-value

Coefficient Error Coefficients
Ethnic Origin 1.091 .338 .095 3.227* .001
Practice rituals -.527 .919 -.027 -.573 .567
Belief of .503 .833 .028 .604 .546
rituals
Constant -.643 .729 -.882 .378
F = 3.565* R = .009 *p<.05

3.4 Safety Related Standards for Goldmining and Health Impacts

3.4.1 Training/ Workshop/ Information Provided for Safety Mining

As shown in Figure 2, majority of the respondents in the five selected

barangays answered that they were not given training/workshop nor an
information provided on safety mining. Noticeably in Barangay Gango,
34.3% were aware regarding safety measures on mining and other related
information. Since Gango is currently applying for a Minahan ng Bayan,
miners needed to be knowledgeable on this extraction activity. Pigsag-an and

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Rogongon have a close to no respondents who are informed and educated

concerning mining activities.

Figure 2. Training/ Workshop/ Information Provided for Safety Mining to the

Respondents

Similarly, the traditional practice in artisanal or small-scale mining in the

mining areas of Tumpagon, Pigsag-an and many others, usually the local
residents went to the mining area to secure free gold to be sold to assure
themselves of food daily. Generally, this implies that there are no regulatory
control or ordinances and safety standards for mining activities in the mining
areas of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Iligan City. This gold
panning or locally known as biling-biling, which is practiced daily by local
residents contributes to the load of sediments along Iponan River.

The most common trainings conducted in Gango mining site were safety
mining, rescue, first aid and sanitation. The same information were learned
by a few miners in Tumpagon mining area. Generally, trainings for safety
mining are well-established in Gango mining sites as they employ tunnel
method in mining.

3.4.2 Hazards of Mining Activities

Figure 3 illustrates the awareness level of respondents on the different

hazards of mining. Most respondents are acquainted with and have even
experienced ergonomic hazards (91.7%) such as fracture, exacerbate
shoulders and fatigue, and only 17% of them have experienced accidents or
any other physical hazards in the mining area. Over all, majority of the

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respondents (88.4%) are aware of the health risks and hazards that are
associated with mining.

In terms of the common hazards that the respondents were exposed, most
respondents went through ergonomic hazards which shows that 80.5% have
exacerbate shoulder fatigue (pamaul/pangalay sa abaga). Other hazards
experienced are (1) injury caused by rock/fall/fire/explosion (physical
hazards); (2) skin disease/allergy (chemical hazards); (3) dengue (biological
hazard); and (4) post-traumatic stress disorder (psychological hazard).

Figure 3. Hazards of Mining Activities Encountered by Respondents.

3.5 Environmental Impact

3.5.1 Negative Impact on Environment brought by Mining Activities

Table 10 displays the views of the respondents on the negative impact of

mining in their area. Environmental impact commonly mentioned were
landslides, flash floods, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, loss of organic
fertility and soil contamination. The least mentioned impact is the improper
disposal of waste/mine tailing which was only mentioned by 6.9% of the
respondents.

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Seventy percent of the respondents from all the five mining sites believed
that mining, despite the positive effects it brought in their lives, can still lead
to adverse consequences especially in the environment. Moreover, there is a
noticeable difference between Gango and the other mining sites regarding
these consequences. Only 36% of Gango’s population (n=400) admitted of
these negative impact compared to the 83% from the population of the other
mining sites.

Table 10. Negative Impacts on Environment brought about by Mining Activities

Environmental Problems Frequency Percent

Landslide 805 57.3

Flashflood 778 55.4
Soil Erosion 532 37.9
Soil Degradation 524 37.3
Acidification (N=524) 23 (4.4)
Loss of Organic Fertility (N=524) 155 (29.6)
Soil Contamination (N=524) 173 (33.0)
Biodiversity Loss 370 26.3
Decrease of Aquatic species (N=370) 237 (64.1)
Decrease of terrestrial floral species (N=370) 202 (54.6)
Decrease of faunal species and microorganism (N=370) 80 (21.6)
Extinction of different valuable species (N=370) 66 (17.8)
Deforestation 294 20.9
Improper disposal of waste/mine tailing 97 6.9

Figure 4 shows the views of respondents on whether or not mining has an

effect to the community’s agriculture and water resources. Only very few
from Gango’s population believed that mining has an effect in those
particular resources. Ninety percent (90%) of the respondents from the other
mining sites believed that water resources were the most affected by mining
activities.

Mining has affected the agriculture of the five selected mining areas. Gango
has been affected simply because residents did not have time to farm since

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mining is their main source of income. For the other mining sites, the
common causes of agricultural degradation are the mining activities that take
place in the river and soil erosion due to flashflood and landslides.

Figure 4. The effects of mining activities to the agricultural products

and water resources.

The other mining sites, with the exception of Gango, has a few water
resources that are affected by mining such as rivers and streams. Mining has
an effect in the turbidity and contamination of water as evidenced by the
discoloration of water and absence of living organisms and other aquatic
weeds.

The respondents also differed significantly on the responses as to the effect

of mining to agricultural products (χ2 = 222.284*, df = 3, *p<.05) and to
water resources (χ2 = 1037, 944*, df = 3, *p<.05) when grouped by mining
sites. Although these findings are based from the survey of the respondents
technical gaps on the ground level can be a possible source of intervention
toward this end.

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3.5.2 Agencies/Institutions Promoting Responsible Mining

Table 11 shows the involvement/presence of several agencies in promoting

responsible mining. From the five mining sites, 70.4% of the respondents
stated that there are agencies and other institutions who visited their area in
order to advocate and train the miners on responsible mining practices. The
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (including Mines and
Geosciences Bureau) and Local Government Units are the common agencies
which provide trainings and information dissemination in the mining areas.

Table 11. Agencies / Institutions Taking Necessary Actions to Promote

Responsible Mining

Indicator N = 1405 Frequency Percent

Presence of agencies / institutions

Yes 989 70.4

No 416 29.6

Agencies / Institutions

DENR 737 52.5

LGU 307 21.9
NGO 13 0.9
MGB 52 3.7
Academic Organizations 5 0.4
PNP 5 0.4
Bureau of Mines 2 0.1
PENRO 1 0.1
Religious Organization 1 0.1

So far, DENR is so vigilant in monitoring the mining areas specifically on

the use of inappropriate methods of gold extraction. Generally, promoting
responsible mining in the areas are still debatable and conflict issues still
exist at the ground level, specifically in the mining areas of Cagayan de Oro,
Opol, Misamis Oriental and Rogongon, Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.

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3. Conclusion and Recommendations

4.1 Conclusions

On the foregoing general findings, the following conclusions are drawn:

The Mining Industry in Northern Mindanao is generally characterized as

“Small-Scale Gold Mining or Artisanal Mining” where the majority of the
practices used by miners were gold panning along the river beds and or the
entire river system in the form of nuggets or “free gold” that are readily
available all the time. The other specific mining site practiced drift mining or
the use of tunnel and ball mills in the processing of gold ores with a tailing
pond. Similarly, the method of gold panning in relation to the Environmental
Impact of mining had the greatest environmental damage to Iponan River
System and revealed as very high concentration of total suspended solids and
sediment load deposition. The other major impact specifically in drift mining
using tunnel is the cyanide contamination of the Bigaan River and the
formation of sinkholes from sub-surface excavation which could suddenly
and dangerously collapsed.

Along with the social factors affecting mining, the source of livelihood in the
locality can boost economic and social growth in general and it has a great
impact to the community where the mining industry is locally situated.

In the case of safety-related standards for mining, generally, there was no

information provided for safety mining of the miners-respondents in so far as
four (4) mining areas adopted the gold panning or locally known as “biling-
biling”. Similarly the safety related standards and training are very
established in Gango, Bukidnon mining sites in consonant with the
application requirement as “Minahan ng Bayan”.

On health-related impact of mining activities, most respondents experienced

ergonomic hazards which are cumulative trauma disorders caused by manual
handling. Examples of which are exacerbate shoulder (pamaul) and fatigue.
Other hazards mentioned were chemical and psychological hazards.

Along the negative effects of mining activities to the environment, most of

the respondents mentioned landslides, flash flood, soil erosion, biodiversity
loss, loss of organic fertility and soil contamination. In addition, their water
resources and agricultural production are affected as well.

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On the side of responsible mining initiatives, there were government line

agencies (GOs and NGOs) who took the necessary action to promote
responsible mining. DENR played a crucial role in the mining sites regarding
the inappropriate methods of gold mining.

4.2 Recommendations

On the basis of findings and analysis, the following recommendations are

provided, to wit;

The small-scale mining sites in Northern Mindanao particularly along the

watershed areas in Iponan River and Bigaan River may be recommended for
rehabiltation to be able to restore some ecological damage of the watershed
areas. LGU’s/DILG should take action and include this rehabilitation efforts
in the Comprehensive Land Use Program (CLUP) in their respective units.

With the main source of livelihood which is mining, it is recommended that

the alternative source of livelihood may be operationalized or mobilized by
the local residents to minimize mining activities/operations in the area. Thus,
minimizing environmental damage. LGU’s should consider the balance
equation of Economy versus Natural or Mineral Resource Utilization.

It is recommended that Socio-cultural Identity of Higaonon and other IP

communities within the mining sites should be preserved and be respected of
their own belief system. In this sense, IPRA law may be fully exercised
specifically in relation to ancestral territories.

The illegal mining which is rampant to the mining areas of Northern

Mindanao has no proper documentation of the volume of gold production
from previous years to present. Hence, records on tax revenues of mining is
not consistent and GNP cannot be accounted nor appreciated. In this sense,
local barangay officials should establish proper documentation with accurate
data on tax revenues of mining computed in monthly and annual basis.

There is a need to have a strong advocacy to the local residents and miners in
relation to the negative impacts or effects of the environment brought about
by mining activities. LGU’s should take the lead in the advocacy.

It is recommended that Gango, Libona Bukidnon mining sites should be

granted with official declaration permit as “Minahan ng Bayan”. This area

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has well established standards for mining or safety-related guidelines,

policies and training in the area. As such, programs and projects for
responsible mining are visible in the area.

Appropriate ecological solutions specifically the political and social

parameters should also be provided such that the involvement of the various
local government units, non-government agencies, and indigenous peoples
are required to achieve a holistic solutions to the various issues and problems
related to mining. Participatory approaches in the search of solutions to
social and environmental issues and co-existence with IP’s and miners
should be required.

Formulation of associations among small-scale miners should be strongly

required to enable member groups to monitor their works on the proper way
of mining and mineral processing so as not to create more devastating impact
or effect on the environment.

There should be the introduction and adoption of green technology within

the perspective of bioremediation specifically phytoremediation technology.
This technology uses the capabilities of plants to absorb metals into its parts
and its tissues thus the concept that plants can clean-up metal contaminated
areas can be learned by the miners and community folks.

4. Acknowledgement

The research team would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the
Commission on Higher Education for providing MUST the financial
assistance needed to mobilize the research. Also, to the MUST
Administration whose invaluable support and assistance were very
instrumental in the success of the research. We also recognize the services
and cooperation of the barangay captains during the field survey namely, Mr.
Armando Alinggom of Brgy. Tumpagon, Mr. Salvador Misca, Sr. of Brgy
Pigsag-an, Ms. Editha Ompoc of Brgy. Nangcaon, Mr. Eleazar Ibona of
Brgy. Gango and Mr. Radi Pugoy of Brgy. Rogongon. Lastly, much
appreciation is given to the Research Assistant, Research Admin Staff, and
Enumerators for their work in data gathering and in the accomplishment of
numerous logistical requirements required of the research.

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