In the 82nd episode of the Behind the Science podcast series, we looked closely into the challenges and opportunities for sustainable mining in the Philippines through the research of environmental geoscientist Dr. Justine Perry Domingo. The Philippines, rich in mineral resources, faces the dilemma of meeting the economic needs of its people without compromising the integrity of the environment. As Dr. Domingo asked during the episode, “How can we minimize the environmental impacts of mining while maximizing its benefits?”
His journey began at the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences, where his graduate research focused on using plants to help clean up and restore damaged, polluted soil left behind by mining. That hands-on experience sparked a genuine passion in him to address mining-related environmental issues in the context of climate change and natural hazards. It eventually led him to pursue a doctorate in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where he focused on understanding how sediments and metals move through mining-affected areas.
Through his research review, Dr. Domingo and his colleagues analyzed the environmental risks associated with mining and the tools available to manage them. They found that despite the Philippines’ vast mineral resources and biodiversity, the country continues to struggle with pollution and the hazards of mine tailings.
Today, Dr. Domingo continues to advocate for solutions that reduce mining’s environmental impact. He emphasized the importance of using scientific research to inform policies for mining companies and government agencies. Among his key recommendations are stronger monitoring of mine tailings dams and innovative methods for recycling valuable metals from mining waste.
As the call for sustainable mining grows more urgent amid climate change and threats to biodiversity, this episode highlights the critical need for science-based solutions and accountable governance. It reminds us that protecting the environment while meeting people’s economic needs is not only possible but necessary when science informs policy, and when communities and all stakeholders with influence over mining take responsibility for its impact.
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Research Spotlight:
Domingo JPT, Jenkin GRT, Quick L, Williams RD, Hudson-Edwards KA, Tortajada C, et al. Sustainable mining in tropical, biodiverse landscapes: environmental challenges and opportunities in the archipelagic Philippines. Journal of Cleaner Production. 468:143114–143114. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652624025630
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