Keith Ivan T.
Castillo
BSECE
PHILO-ETHICS
Benefits of Allowing Mining Companies to Operate:
1. Economic Growth: Mining activities can contribute to the country’s
economic growth by providing job opportunities, stimulating local businesses,
and generating tax revenues.
2. Infrastructure Development: Mining companies often invest in
infrastructure development, such as roads and electricity, which can benefit
local communities
3. Resource Extraction: Mining allows the extraction of valuable natural
resources, such as minerals and metals, which are essential for industrial
processes and can contribute to domestic and export industries.
Costs and Environmental Impacts of Allowing Mining Companies to
Operate:
1. Environmental Degradation: Mining activities, if not properly regulated,
can lead to environmental degradation, including water pollution, deforestation,
soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
2. Health Risks: Improper waste disposal and exposure to toxic substances
can pose health risks to local communities, as seen in the case of the
Marcopper mining disaster.
3. Socioeconomic Disruption: Mining operations can disrupt traditional
livelihoods, such as agriculture and fishing, and lead to the displacement of
communities. Additionally, the uneven distribution of benefits can lead to
social inequalities.
As for proposing a better law to replace the Mining Act of 1985, some
considerations could include:
1. Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Implement and enforce strict
environmental regulations and standards to ensure responsible mining
practices, proper waste management, and prevention of pollution.
2. Sustainable Mining Practices: Promote the adoption of sustainable
mining practices that minimize environmental impacts, prioritize land
reclamation, and support the rehabilitation of affected areas.
3. Prioritize Local Community Engagement and Benefit-Sharing: Ensure
meaningful participation of local communities in decision-making processes,
ensuring their concerns and rights are taken into account and equitable
sharing of benefits from mining activities.
How can we relate this issue in UTILITARIANISM?
Utilitarianism is a moral theory that focuses on promoting the greatest
happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
When considering the operation of mining companies here in the Philippines
through a utilitarian perspective, we can analyze the costs and benefits to
determine the morally right course of action.
In terms of benefits, allowing mining companies to operate can contribute to
economic growth, create job opportunities, and stimulate local
businesses. These positive outcomes align with the utilitarian principle of
maximizing overall happiness or utility by promoting economic prosperity and
improving the lives of a significant number of people.
However, we must also consider the costs and negative impacts associated
with mining operations. Environmental degradation, health risks, and
socio-economic disruptions can result from irresponsible mining practices,
leading to harm and suffering for local communities. From a utilitarian
perspective, these negative consequences need to be taken into account
when evaluating the overall happiness or utility.
To make a utilitarian analysis, we need to weigh the net happiness or utility
generated by allowing mining companies to operate against the negative
consequences. This requires considering the magnitude and extent of the
benefits (economic growth, job creation) and comparing them to the
magnitude and extent of the costs (environmental degradation, health risks,
social disruption).
If the benefits of mining operations “outweigh the costs" and bring about a
significant increase in overall happiness or utility for a larger number of people,
then allowing mining companies to operate could be seen as “morally
justifiable” according to utilitarianism.
However, if the costs “outweigh the benefits” and result in a significant
decrease in overall happiness or utility, then a utilitarian analysis would
suggest that mining operations “should not be allowed”.
Furthermore, from a utilitarian perspective, implementing stricter
environmental regulations, promoting sustainable mining practices, and
prioritizing the well-being and participation of local communities can help
minimize the negative consequences of mining operations and enhance
overall happiness or utility.
