Mining Outside the Law: Environmental, Public Safety, and Governance Dimensions of Illegal Mining in Tampakan, South Cotabato, Philippines

Illegal mining remains a critical challenge to public safety in mineral-rich areas of the Philippines; also, the municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato, acts as a prominent example in this regard. For the study design, a qualitative case study was used while data collection involved document review, key informant interviews, and field observation; also, data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic approach. Illegal mining contributes in effect to the deforestation, to the soil erosion, and to the water contamination. It displaces indigenous communities and also causes land disputes, armed violence, and corruption. Resource constraints, together with alleged collusion with local actors, plus the miners’ adaptability obstruct enforcement efforts. To reduce all of the threats that are posed by illegal mining, the study concludes that just a holistic strategy is important for integrating law enforcement, community engagement, economic development, and environmental education. Policymakers should formally recognize small-scale mining under Republic Act 7942 strictly enforced. They should target also livelihood programs to the communities that are affected as well.