Abstract

Mining activities are important in the economic development of any country endowed with mineral resources. This is due to the economic benefits made available to countries involved in the extraction of mineral resources, internal and external. Internally, employment and revenue generation; externally, a substantial foreign exchange is available to such countries. This research work examined the ore extraction and mining operations of the three largest Mining companies in Palawan, Philippines, and their effect on the environment and the people. This research work undertook a thorough and broader outlook into the environmental implications of Mining on the island of Palawan, both negative and positive. The study utilized the descriptive-evaluative research design while using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology. A total of one hundred eighty-eight respondents from four different communities in four municipalities in the Southern part of Palawan were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire administration and interviews. A researcher-made questionnaire was formulated to gather data on mining and ore extraction methods employed by different mining firms in the Province of Palawan, their effect on the environment and people. The study is well-aimed to find out whether the mining companies are compliant with the different government regulations. Findings show that the community members were aware that mining companies employed surface mining as their method of mineral extraction, as revealed by a weighted mean of 2.66. Surface mining causes air/noise pollution, water pollution, and siltation of rivers, and land degradation. Mining companies have attempted re-afforestation of the minedout areas, resettle affected communities and other measures, provided livelihoods and satisfactory crop compensations, employment, and other benefits. They also provided development projects, school buildings as well as healthcare facilities. Mining companies are compliant with all the mining regulations set by the government. It has been recommended stringent and rigorous efforts at re-afforestation, resettlement of affected communities, and other measures aimed at restoring back degraded lands to their proximate state after mining activities should be intensified by the mining companies and additional health facilities be built which will particularly be made accessible to non-workers and other neighboring municipalities at very affordable charges.