Senator President Juan Ponce Enrile Tuesday called on local mining industry players to exercise prudence and extreme caution in their mining activities.

Enrile, speaking before the Mining Philippines 2009 Conference and Exhibition at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, said environmental and social costs will far outweigh the economic benefits from the industry, thus mining companies should apply the best practices in their operations to prevent further environmental catastrophes.

“Exercise prudence and extreme caution in your mining activities, for if you do otherwise, the environmental and social costs will far outweigh the economic benefits from the mining industry,” said Enrile directly addressing members of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

Unless done properly, Enrile said he believes mining can bring benefits to the national economy and the people.

“I am one of the believers of the benefits that the mining industry can bring to the economy and to our people only if mining is done responsibly by applying the best practices,” he said.

“Studies have been done on the impact of mining in the nation’s economy.

While there are economic benefits to the local community in terms of employment and revenues, mining also have many adverse effects on the economy, environment and the health and safety of the people,” added the senator.

“These include the eviction and displacement of people, pollution of rivers and streams, destruction of mangroves and coral reefs and devastation of agricultural land,” said Enrile.