Recently, we learned that a Chinese company, RockCheck Steel Group Company, will put up a ferro nickel mining plant in Manicani Island, Guiuian, Eastern Samar by investing initially $200 million (or approximately P10 billion) starting the third quarter (July to September) of this year.

If we look at the national picture of the mining industry, this development is good news and in pace with the trend in the country.

Official DENR reports indicate that last year the gross production output from metallic mines increased by 48% compared to that of 2005. Average monthly process of copper, gold, silver and nickel increased from a range of 35% to 65%.

The mining industry in the country employs 112,000 workers with wages estimated at P5 billion in 2006.

However, such a rosy picture contrasts with the controversy that has been associated with mining in Region VIII.

In meetings of the Regional Development Council issues on the mining industry have been discussed in recent years.

The most important issues appear to be those on: (a) public concerns over the environmental and ecological impacts of mining and (b) inadequate benefits to host communities.

The important question in so far as the plant in Guiuian is concerned is: will the two issues mentioned above be properly addressed in this plant?

The answer to that question necessarily has to be a “yes”, otherwise such a large enterprise could adversely affect not only the communities in Guiuian but possibly even those in Leyte because pollution could be carried across Leyte Gulf.

Careful planning and close monitoring of the activities in this plant are, therefore, necessary so that negative consequences on the people, the land, the seas and marine life are avoided.