Migrante Melbourne Supports CBCP's Stance Against Mining

(Feb 09, 2006) Melbourne, Australia -- Migrante Melbourne firmly supports the statement recently released by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Philippines calling for the Arroyo administration to repeal the new mining act. The CBCP openly cited the adverse effects of opening the mining industry to foreign investors especially on the environment and the indigenous communities in pastoral statement calling for the repeal of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, saying that it "destroys life." The bishops also called for the cancellation of all approved mining concessions and the junking of pending applications. “Mining threatens people’s health and environmental safety through the wanton dumping of waste and tailings in rivers and seas,” the CBCP said in the statement read by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes. The recent environmental destruction caused by Australian mining company Lafayette caused misery to fishermen who lost their main source of livelihood. Until now, the residents and fishers of Rapu-Rapu Island in Southern Philippines are reeling from the effects of the spill of mine tailings. Migrante Melbourne strongly demands for the closure of the Lafayette mining operation in the island. - ends - For further information and to arrange an interview, contact: George Kotsakis Chairperson Migrante Melbourne Tel: 0413 041 514

09 Feb 2006

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