Instruction: Create 2 ESSAYS on the ff.

questions below:

1. What is the significance of RA 9003 in managing the environment relating to mining

The Philippines' major environmental law, Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act of 2000, addresses the severe environmental consequences of waste
mismanagement. Solid waste management is defined as a discipline that is concerned with the
control of the generation, storage, collection, transfer, and transportation, as well as the
processing and disposal of solid waste. The legislation establishes a comprehensive ecological
solid waste management program via the establishment of appropriate institutional structures and
incentives, the appropriation of money, the prohibition of specific actions, and the imposition of
fines. Furthermore, it demonstrates the possibilities and advantages of recycling, not just in terms
of solving waste management issues, but also in terms of poverty alleviation and poverty
reduction.

According to Cision PR News, the mining waste management market was projected to be
173.64 billion tons in 2017 and is anticipated to reach 233.56 billion tons by 2022, growing at a
6.1 percent compound annual growth rate from 2017 to 2022. It has been reported by various
sources that the mining and processing of mineral ores results in the generation of about 1.6
million metric tons (1.8 million tons) of mineral processing waste in the United States per year.
In the mining industry, waste is produced during ore extraction, beneficiation, and processing.
The mining waste generated by various mines varies according to the methods used to treat ores,
the kinds of metals/minerals recovered, and the geographical location of the mines. Mining waste
management entails the collecting of these waste products at their source, their storage, and their
environmentally acceptable disposal on land, sea, or air. Increasing demand for metal from a
variety of end-use industries, as well as the expansion of the power and energy sectors, along
with growing environmental concerns, are expected to propel the mining waste management
market during the projected period.

Nonetheless, the basic requirements of RA 9003 serve as a guide for mining companies in
their efforts to implement more environmentally friendly waste management practices. The
company is responsible for the appropriate segregation, collection, transportation, storage,
treatment, and disposal of solid waste by developing and implementing best environmental
practices in ecological waste management, except incineration. Making public health and the
environment a top priority; improving the integration of ecological solid waste management and
resource conservation and recovery themes into the academic curriculum of formal and non-
formal education in order to increase environmental awareness and action among the general
population.
2. What is the significance of RA 9275 in managing the environment relating to mining
activities? What are the provisions of which addresses the issues of the mining sector
with regards to handling water resources in a mine site?

Aiming to protect water bodies from pollution caused by land-based sources (such as
industry and commercial enterprises, agriculture, and community/household activities), the
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 was enacted in 2004. It establishes a comprehensive and
integrated plan for preventing and mitigating pollution by engaging all stakeholders in a
multisectoral and participatory manner.

Mining has an impact on fresh water because of the extensive use of water in ore
processing, as well as water pollution from mine wastewater released into rivers and streams, as
well as seepage from tailings and waste rock impoundments. Human activities such as mining are
posing an increasing danger to the water supplies on which we all rely. Water has been described
as "mining's most frequent fatality" (James Lyon, interview, Mineral Policy Center, Washington
DC). People are becoming more conscious of the environmental ramifications of mining
operations that were carried out with little regard for the surrounding ecosystem. We have
sometimes paid a high price for our daily usage of minerals. Mineral extraction depletes water
resources by its very nature. It also diverts water away from other uses and has the potential to
contaminate it.

“Once a mine is operational, water protection must remain the company's primary
objective, even if it results in decreased mineral production. Adopting this common-sense
attitude is the only way to guarantee that mining's golden visions do not devolve into poisoned
streams." (Golden Dreams, Poisoned Streams, Carlos De Rosa & James Lyon. (Washington, DC:
Mineral Policy Center, 1997). Alan Young, executive director of the Environmental Mining
Council of British Columbia, observes that "during the past year, we have seen a regional
government office's failure to monitor and enforce environmental requirements at numerous
mining sites." The authorities do not have the resources to complete the task, and regrettably,
some businesses do not seem to react until they are threatened with legal action. When we don't
have enforceable rules, we have decreased corporate responsibility and greater environmental
liability.” According to Young, "we may pay now or pay later, and experience has taught us that
cleaning is always costlier than prevention, particularly in the mining industry." While excellent
businesses grasp this idea, the regulations are not in their favor.” With regard to preserving clean
water, deregulation as advocated by the business will further decrease accountability, uniformity,
and openness. Voluntary approaches have not, and will not, provide dependable, consistent
protections and improvements in environmental performance in the absence of an adequate
regulatory foundation based on science.

The RA 9275 highlighted many sections that may be applicable to the mining sector.
Those who are responsible for developing an integrated water quality management framework
via appropriate delegation and efficient coordination of functions and activities; those who are
responsible for developing a comprehensive national program of water quality management that
recognizes that water quality management problems cannot be isolated from concerns about
water sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health, and the quality of water;
and those who are responsible for developing an integrated water quality management
framework through correct delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities.
This economic tool, which will be created in collaboration with all interested parties, is intended
to stimulate investments in cleaner production and pollution control technology, thus reducing
the quantity of pollutants produced and released. A mining business would very certainly have
achieved sustainable development if the requirements listed above had been followed.

Many of the possible consequences are preventable if the proper conditions are in place –
and if ethical businesses, innovative technology, and smart planning are used. Indeed, the
majority of mine contamination occurs as a result of carelessness, not need. We must protect the
quality and quantity of our water from reckless mining exploitation for the benefit of present and
future generations. We must guarantee that the most effective pollution protection methods are
used in situations when hazards can be controlled. Moreover, we must acknowledge that mining
should be prohibited in certain areas due to the recognized dangers to other resources, such as
water.