House Bill Aims to Ban Black Sand Mining
In response to rising environmental concerns, a bill declaring the mining of black sand and other vital minerals illegal has been introduced in the Philippine House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to protect local ecosystems by halting harmful black sand mining activities along coastal and river areas.
Rep. Leila de Lima from the Mamamayang Liberal party-list emphasized the urgency of addressing black sand mining’s devastating effects. She referenced studies by environmental groups showing how this practice has led to land erosion and damage to communities, particularly citing incidents in Cagayan province where houses have reportedly collapsed due to soil loss.
Understanding Black Sand’s Environmental Role
De Lima explained that black sand is an essential mineral that increases the weight and compactness of sand particles. This natural feature acts as a barrier, protecting land surfaces and freshwater sources from seawater intrusion. It keeps seawater levels lower than the land, preserving the delicate balance of coastal areas.
Environmental studies indicate that black sand mining contributes to the depletion of fish populations, severe land erosion, and increased flooding in coastal and riverside communities. Experts warn that areas mined for magnetite or black sand could experience rapid land subsidence, potentially sinking underwater within 30 to 70 years.
Local residents in Cagayan have raised concerns about the mining’s impact. Ofelia Fuentes from Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Buguey at Sta. Teresita shared in a 2013 press conference that houses are crumbling because the sand beneath them is eroding due to black sand extraction.
Legal Measures and Penalties Proposed
If House Bill No. 1843 becomes law, any applicant for dredging permits must first obtain certification from the Mining and Geosciences Bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This certification would confirm whether black sand or magnetite deposits exist on the proposed sites.
The bill makes it illegal for individuals or corporations to mine black sand or magnetite in coastal and river delta areas. Violators face prison terms of six to twelve years and fines ranging from P1 million to P10 million.
Furthermore, the legislation prohibits the appropriation of dredged materials from sites containing black sand or magnetites. Improper disposal of such materials would be classified as illegal mining and penalized accordingly.
Community and Environmental Advocates’ Support
De Lima’s proposal aligns with calls from progressive groups and fishing communities opposing dredging in the Cagayan River. They fear that dredging operations are a cover for black sand mining, which threatens local livelihoods and ecosystems.
During the 19th Congress, former ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro urged an investigation into alleged Chinese dredging activities along the Cagayan River. She supported calls from the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), highlighting environmental destruction and economic displacement caused by these operations.
“The fisherfolk continue to suffer the consequences, and justice demands that those responsible—foreign companies and complicit government officials—be held accountable,” Castro stated.
Ongoing Concerns and Economic Impact
The Makabayan bloc has urged new lawmakers to continue inquiries into the matter, as House Resolution No. 2278 was left unaddressed before the previous Congress ended. Local fisherfolk report a drastic drop in daily earnings from P7,000–P9,000 to just P900, reflecting the severe economic impact of the dredging and mining activities.
The dredging project along the Cagayan River, approved by former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu in December 2020, aimed to widen waterways to reduce flooding after Typhoon Ulysses. While intended to improve water flow, many question its environmental consequences.
Fisherfolk groups argue that dredging has become a large-scale extraction of sand and minerals, damaging marine ecosystems. Additionally, Makabayan pointed out that Chinese companies involved in the dredging have faced controversies in other Philippine regions.
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