Call for a moratorium on new mining in the Philippines and an urgent review of existing projects

New research from the Working Group on Mining in the Philippines shows how mining is causing large-scale ruin of environments and livelihoods and undermining food production and long-term food security. A country once self-sufficient in rice is now the world’s biggest rice importer.

ECCR is asking investors and concerned individuals to write to the major mining companies involved and their financial backers in support of the Filipino Catholic Bishops' call for a moratorium on new mining developments and for an independent review of existing mining projects to determine how far they impact on food production capacity.

What you can do:

• Read the abbreviated version of the new Working Group report Philippines: Mining or Food?  (see especially the executive summary pp. x-xiv and the recommendations to mining corporations pp. xx-xxi and to the investor community pp. xxiv-xxv).
• Read the case study summaries (pdf) from the new report.
  
• If you have previously written to a mining company or financial institution about mining in the Philippines, write again to draw their attention to the new report. Adapt this model letter (pdf) for your communication.
• Please note that as of December 2009 BHP Billiton ceased involvement in mining in the Philippines.
  
• If you have not previously acted on this issue, review the background information about mining in the Philippines. Then decide which of the companies (apart from BHP Billiton) whose plans are challenged by the report - Intex Resources, Philex Gold, TVI and Xstrata – you wish to write to, and/or whether you wish to write to your pension provider, bank or insurance company. For the mining companies, chief executives’ names and contact addresses are provided here (pdf). Adapt this model letter (pdf) for your communication.
• Write an article for your church or community newsletter or magazine to raise awareness of the issue.
• Let us know how you get on. Send Miles Litvinoff or Helen Boothroyd at ECCR copies of your letters or articles and any replies you receive.
• For further information and advice about dialogue with companies, please see Investment and Engaging with Companies, ECCR's guide for faith communities.