Govt must exercise caution in considering mining expansion

THE recent decision of the provincial board of South Cotabato to lift the ban on open-pit mining in that province was disappointing, and raises concerns that a new, reckless push to expand mining under an incoming administration perceived to be more favorable to it may be under way. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his yet to be named economic and environmental managers should be wary of these efforts and exercise caution in considering whether or not to allow more mining in the Philippines.