The simplest, most graphic and perhaps the most eloquent argument against open pit mining is found, not in the voluminous academic dissertations where arguments encompass the spectrum from bludgeoned biodiversity and ravaged ecosystems to the abuse of rights and ancestral domain and the brazen murder of their advocates. It is in a simple satellite photograph of an ongoing mining operation. Natural watersheds underlie the core of Lopez’s exemplary model of economic development, poverty alleviation and genuine inclusive growth.

Dela Paz, D. (2017, March 14). Killing watersheds, killing life. Malaya Business Insight, p. A2.