Perceived Health Impacts of Surface Mining: Local Perspectives from the Mining Communities in Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Jessa Mae T. Lazarte (), Connie Fern Miranda, Ruel S. Apas, Eulogio S. Auxtero, Angeline M. Atacador, Marco Laurence M. Budlayan, Ferdinand Michael B. Calo, Rey Marc T. Cumba, Gladys Edilo, Jade C. Jusoy, Felmer S. Latayada, Ronieto Mendoza, Edmar G. Pantohan, Temmy P. Vales, Mark Vincent Vergara and Joey Arles O. Vergara
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Jessa Mae T. Lazarte: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Connie Fern Miranda: Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Ruel S. Apas: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Eulogio S. Auxtero: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Angeline M. Atacador: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Marco Laurence M. Budlayan: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Ferdinand Michael B. Calo: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Rey Marc T. Cumba: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Gladys Edilo: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Jade C. Jusoy: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Felmer S. Latayada: Department of Chemistry, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Ronieto Mendoza: Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering and Geosciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Edmar G. Pantohan: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Temmy P. Vales: Department of Chemistry, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Mark Vincent Vergara: Department of Communications and Humanities, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines
Joey Arles O. Vergara: Department of Physics, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600, Philippines

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: This study examines the perceived health impacts of a mining company on residents of Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines, addressing a critical research gap in understanding the perceived health impacts of mining activities in underrepresented regions. The perceived health impacts of mining operations were examined using a qualitative research approach, employing semi-structured interviews. The interview instrument was developed to investigate how mining company activities impact key health determinants, such as water quality, sanitation, income, employment, infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment. The study was conducted across multiple sites at different distances from the mining area to further investigate the possible distance-based variations. The findings indicate that the mining company has positively impacted several areas, particularly income, employment, infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment. However, there were mixed perceptions regarding water quality and sanitation. The majority of respondents, particularly those who are near the mining sites, perceived a significant positive impact on health service delivery, attributing it to the company’s support initiatives. Despite these positive impacts, the community expressed concerns about potential negative environmental consequences, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, land degradation, and noise pollution. This study reveals the complex relationship between mining operations and community health, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic benefits and environmental safety. The study further contributes to a deeper understanding of how mining operations affect the community’s health and well-being and their potential distance-based variations.

Keywords: Libjo; health impact; health determinant; surface mining; health service delivery; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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