PALAWAN MINING: A PROPOSED PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION MODEL

This study examined the mining operations of the three largest Mining companies in Palawan and undertook a thorough and broader outlook into the environmental implications of mining on the island of the Province as well as to its people. Descriptive-evaluative method of research was utilized. A total of 181 respondents were contacted for relevant information through questionnaire administration; seven officials from institutions and organizations that hold stake in the mining and related environmental issues were interviewed to gather relevant data. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of research were employed to analyse findings of the problem investigated. Findings shows that the community members are aware that mining companies employs surface mining as their method of mineral extraction. Surface mining causes land degradation, air/noise pollution, water pollution and siltation of rivers which primarily being caused by the presence of tailings dam and the use of heavy machines. Mining companies have attempts on re-afforestation of the mined out areas, resettlement of affected communities and other measures, provided livelihoods, employment and other benefits. However, findings revealed that several attempts were not sufficient to eradicate the adverse impact of mining operations. It is therefore being recommended that the mining companies in Palawan must strictly employ progressive rehabilitation and use the proposed physical landscape conservation model as a supplementary tool to restore back degraded lands to its proximate state after mining activities. These will not only reduce the adverse environmental impacts but also land would be available particularly to farmers for agricultural purposes.