For many years, mining has been essential for Rio Tuba, providing employment and fostering economic development. The recent 50-years moratorium on mining endangers thousands of jobs and local enterprises. With the contribution it gives to the economy, mining has been an efficient investment to not just locally but nationwide. 

Transparency is especially important to us in a country where mining is controversial, and there are two ways to do it. One is that, a mining company from Rio Tuba known as Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) reports through Nickel Asia about it’s sustainable development efforts under the a specific guidelines as prescribe by the Global Reporting Initiative.

Additionally, livelihood programs are targeted at organizing host communities for life after mining is completed. Educating the next generation is important for these type of host communities for the youth to be knowledgeable enough about the benefits and contributions of mining to the society.

According to the official website of the Nickel Asia Corporation information on RTNMC, large areas that have been mined were progressively rehabilitated, meaning that as an area is mined out and while there are other active mining areas, they move ahead and rehabilitate those finished mined areas. About 1/3 of the mining areas have been rehabilitated, planted over 1.5 million trees, both within and outside the mining area. 

We, the community members of Rio Tuba, strongly urge a reconsideration of this long-term ban. While we acknowledge the importance of environmental conservation, we support responsible and sustainable mining practices that can benefit both people and environment. A complete suspension of mining for five decades overlooks the needs of our community.

We appeal to decision-makers to reconsider this ruling, permitting mining with strict regulations that encourage environmental stewardship while safeguarding local jobs and business. 

Sign this petition to project jobs, support families, and secure the future of Rio Tuba!