Tainted Waters: The Legacy of Marcopper

The situation of Marcopper Mining Corporation on Marinduque Island in the Philippines is marked by a long history of environmental degradation and health crises stemming from mining operations that began in 1969. The company discharged over 200 million tons of toxic mine tailings into Calancan Bay, severely impacting local ecosystems and the livelihoods of residents who rely on fishing and agriculture. The catastrophic Marcopper mining disaster in 1996, where a drainage tunnel failure released 1.6 million cubic meters of toxic waste into the Boac and Makulapnit rivers, exacerbated these issues, leading to significant contamination and health problems among the local population, including heavy metal poisoning. Despite the closure of Marcopper's operations, the legacy of pollution remains, with ongoing health concerns and a lack of sufficient government response to rehabilitate affected areas. The community continues to struggle with the repercussions of mining activities, advocating for accountability and better environmental protections while facing economic challenges as one of the poorest regions in the country.