IMPACT OF SMALL-SCALE

MINING TO THE RESIDENTS

OF UCAB, ITOGON,
BENGUET
• Gold is the number one mineral produced by the Philippines in
value terms. Although total local production was low relative to
world production, it ranked 2nd to Africa in gold production per
unit land area in 1988 and ranked 29th as top gold producer in
2002(Israel and Asirot 2002). In the year 2002–2007, the
Philippines’ gold production increased by 8.2%. This contributed
an average of 2% gross domestic product (GDP) in the same
period. The country was ranked 18th in the GFMs Gold Survey list
of top 20 Gold Producing countries in 2007 (Teves 2008).
• Small-scale mining (SSM) refers to mining individuals, groups,
families or cooperatives with minimal or no mechanization, often
in the informal (illegal) sector of the market.
• Itogon identifies itself as the “Land of Golden Opportunities.” The
Municipality is one of the home-origins of traditional SSM
activities and host to eight large-scale mining companies which
made the Philippines ones of the significant gold producing
countries in the whole world.
 Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to asses or determines the impact of
small-scale mining to the residents of Ucab, Itogon,
Benguet. Specifically, it will answer the following problems:
1. What are the problems encountered by small-scale
miners of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet specifically on:
a. Economics
b. Health

2. What are the programs implemented by the barangay to

mitigate the problems encountered small-scale miners,
specifically in:
a. Economics
b. Health
 Methodology
• The study used a Qualitative Approach particularly the
cased study design because it aims to assess the impact of
small-scale mining to the residents of Ucab, Itogon,
Benguet.
• Case Study is an in depth study particular situation rather
that sweeping statistical survey. It can focus on specific
and interesting cases (Shutteworth, 2008). Case studies are
used to help the researchers see the complexities of real
life decisions. (UNSW, 2013)
• The study will use an interview guide and observation
notebook to gather the needed information for the study.
Unstructured interviewed was conducted with some
selected residents to validate the gathering results.
Observation was used to supply additional data for the
study.
 Results and Discussions
Problems encountered by small-scale miners of Ucab, Itogon,
Benguet
• Economics
This discusses the problems encountered by small-scale
miners in terms of their economic where in 90% of the population
said that they don’t have any problems when it comes to their
financial since being a small-scale miner is a very big help to
them. It helps them in way that they were able to earn much
money averaging from 20-40 thousand pesos a month. With this
money they can get and buy everything they need and want.
Also they were able to send their children in schools and pay all
the expenses needed for their children’s education.
• 10% of the population said that they were having difficulties on
how would they manage to save their money because they
cannot avoid buying all their wants if they have much money.
Also they tend to spend much money on things that is not very
useful to them such us alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, and other
things.
• Health
This discusses the problems encountered by small-
scale miners in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet regarding their
health. Where in 80% of the population said that small- scale
mining affected their health because of the physical
activities that they do. It made them healthier in a way that
their strength, endurance, and flexibility improved. 20% of
the population said that small-scale mining affected their
health but not directly.
On the other hand, 20% of the population also said that
small scale mining did not affect their health internally since
they are practicing the traditional way of extracting
minerals thus it did not affect them directly, however 60%of
the population said that small-scale mining affected their
health because of the chemicals they used in order to
extract gold easily. Also due to the nature of their work, they
cannot avoid accidents inside the portal, thus they
encounter cuts and injuries inflicted on their bodies.
 Programs Implemented by the Barangay to Mitigate
Problems Encountered by Small-Scale Miners
Economics
100% of the population said that there were no
seminars conducted regarding small-scale mining. In
addition, twenty percent of the population mentioned that
there were some attempts of the government to conduct a
seminar but it was only disseminated to the people near the
road where only few of them are small-scale miners.
20% of the population also mentioned an association called
the Ucab Itogon miners association wherein they can be a
member, this association will work hand in hand with the
barangay in order for the small-scale miners will be
mentioned on their economic activities. So that if there are
any problems the barangay and the association would help
them. This could be effective in mitigating their problems
that rose on the small-scale miners related on their
economic.
Health
100% of the population said that there were no
programs conducted by the barangay related to their
health. Since it already known to everybody that small-
scale miners can take care of their expense for the
medication. And it was it was mentioned that they that they
earn a lot of money with this kind of livelihood.

Respondent 2 also mentioned that there were no

programs conducted directly for their health but the
barangay keeps on warning them the bad effects of using
chemicals on their health. Also the barangay reminds them
the safety precautions while they are inside the portal.
 Conclusions
• From the analyzed data, the following conclusions were
drawn.
1. The problems encountered by small-scale miners in terms
of their economic doesn’t affect them much since it was
known to everybody that small-scale miners are one time
millionaire. Money is not a problem for them as long as they
work hard inside the runnel, risk their life even if it is
dangerous and doesn’t even know if there a natural disaster
that might come while they are inside the portal. Also
millions of people in the developing world depend on small-
scale gold mining for their livelihoods. This wealth can come
at a price. However, saving their money is problem for
small-scale miners.
2. Small-scale mining is a critical poverty reduction strategy for
millions of people around the world; however, it is notoriously
dangerous. Small-scale mining activities, with the gold mining
activities, health and safety risks among miners, their families, and
their communities have not been fully addressed in the scholarly
literature or by regulatory institutions in countries where mining is
prevalent. Because of the nature of their work small-scale miners
cannot avoid accidents that may affect their health. They
experienced back pain and other physical injuries due to their
exposure to occupation and environmental hazards at work. Due
to their lack of knowledge on the safety procedures they
encounter things that might affect their health. Also they do not
also wear protective gears while entering the portal thus it cause
them injuries.
3. There were no seminars or programs conducted by the
barangay thus small-scale miners are not knowledgeable on what
are the certain things they must do regarding their economics or
money. Since they are earning big money from it they do not
encounter much problem regarding their economic. However, it is
still important for the small-scale miners to be literate enough on
how do small-scale mining affects our economy. And not only
how money runs in their lives.
4. Due to the common misconception of the people that
small-scale miners are rich they are able to sustain or pay
the expenses they need for their health. However there were
still many small-scale miners who experienced injuries,
accidents and health risk because of their work. Since the
government did not conduct any programs or seminars
regarding the safety procedures they must do before
entering the tunnel to avoid any accidents or hazards. Also
there were no seminars or programs conducted by the
barangays to inform the small-scale miners regarding the
protective gears they must use in order for them to be
injured while they are inside the tunnel.
 Recommendations
Based on the conclusion presented, the following
recommendations are suggested:
1. The barangay officials must conduct seminars regarding the
economics of the small-scale miners. Even though they don’t
encounter many problems it is still important for them too
knowledgeable on the things that involve their money.
2. The residents must join into seminars that would benefit them
most importantly on their health. They should also visit the hospital
even once a month in order for them to monitor their health,
because even though they are physically fit but inside their might
be pathological physiology that is happening on their body.
Workers should also use protective gears in order to ensure their
safety inside the portal. In addition they must engage their selves
on training by means of short courses and practical sessions that
would help them improve mining standards, conditions, and
productivity.
3. The government should conduct seminars and programs
to mitigate the problems of the small-scale miners regarding
their economics. The barangay officials should also go to
house to house in order for them to monitor the activities
done by the small-scale miners and to be aware of things
just like their financial. They should also work for the papers
for them to be granted with Minahang Bayan since small-
scale mining is the number 1 lucrative livelihood of the
residents of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet.
4. The barangay officials should produce fliers on what are
the protective gears that must be worn by a small-scale
miner and make sure to disseminate it them directly in
order for them to explain the importance of this things. They
should also create more organizations that are active in
order for them to work hand in hand for the betterment of
the residents and their society. Training and seminars must
be done by the barangay since it is important for the small-
scale miners to be knowledgeable enough regarding their
safety and health.
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