Mining 42: Presentation and Debate at UP PALS-NCPAG

Last month, I participated in an open debate on mining held at UP Diliman. Three of us pro-mining including Dr. Arcilla  (4th from left in this photo) of the UP National Institute for Geological Studies (NIGS), and three anti-mining including Mr. Garganera (3rd from right), National Coordinator of the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM, Alliance to Stop Mining).

The theme of the debate was "Mining: Boon or Bane?". Nice forum and debate.

Below are some of the major arguments of the anti-mining groups.

Good audience, should be 200+ students and teachers/professors, including some UP Mining Engineering students, and guests from other universities invited by the sponsor, UP PALS.

The anti-mining groups would clarify that "we are not anti-mining per se, we recognize the contribution of mining to society but certain conditions should be met like..." and such list can be long and/or very stringent.