The conditions of the small-scale miners in Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province
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Transcript of The conditions of the small-scale miners in Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province
ABSTRACT
The study is about the conditions of the small-scale miners in Barangay Bukal,
Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province.
Looking at the situation of the small-scale miners nowadays, the miners are really pitiful
to look at because of the big issues that the sector had encountered through the generations.
These self devastating issues give very big impacts to the miners. The public had been blinded
by these issues especially to the miners’ health which is the bait of the gold hunting. In their
economic status’ condition, it is noticeable that many of the miners are having a poor life. If the
attention is driven the miners’ safety, this is one of the biggest controversies in the great world
of mining that until now it have been a long talk in the government. In the the relationship of
miners’ family between them, it is hard to deny the fact that family relations are also affected by
mining because everybody knows that miners would seek and dig anywhere in the world just to
bring money to the family in spite of the reality of moving away from home for the sake of work.
The study is centered on the condition of the miners to serve as an example. It will be
discussed in the paper the condition of small scale mining in the aspects of their health,
economic status, administration, safety, and family relations. The paper will also mention some
things that the miners need from the government.
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CHAPTER I
Background of the Study
Small-scale mining refers to mining by individuals, groups, families or cooperatives with
minimal or no mechanization, often the informal (illegal) sector of the market (T. Hentschel et.
Al). From the definition above, small-scale miners is indeed a complex and a dangerous work.
Complex in the sense that due to its informality, (illegal background) small-scale mining must be
prohibited by the government and yet small-scale mining is widely operated locally, nationally
and internationally.
Take for an instance is the wide operation of small-scale mining in Geita and Misungwi
Town Tanzania, where in numerous residents are trying themselves to be miners due to
poverty. (R. Mwaipopo et al. The increase of contribution of Small-scale mining to the reduction
of poverty in Tanzania, Geita and Misungwi, 2004).
Despite of the different issues that the government and other non-governmental
organizations are trying to reveal to the people about the small-scale mining, still many are
trying to engage themselves to the work regardless of the dirty and muddy perception about it.
Nowadays, men are not only the small-scale miners but also women as well as the children are
also trying themselves as small-scale miners.
According to Gavin Hilson, (2002) small-scale mining has a positive and negative socio-
economic impacts to the developing countries. Not mentioning the environmental and health-
related problem that affects human quality of life. Small-scale mining plays a great role in
alleviating poverty and contribute significantly to national revenues and foreign exchange
earnings. However, due to the small-scale miners are mostly low-tech and employ poorly
trained uneducated people, it is difficult for the sector to improve on its own. Thus, governments
and regional international bodies have to play an expanded role in bridging critical information
techno-logic and economic gaps (Small-scale mining and the socio-economic effects to the
Developing Countries, Dec 17,2002)
This shows that small-scale mining as well as the small-scale miners has a great future
as one of the main contributors of money in the state if been studied to have measures of
improvement in sustainability, proper mechanization, and in stronger human resources.
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On the other hand, small-scale mining is an undoubtedly dangerous work to be involved
with. It is dangerous in many aspects of man’s life and in state’s stability. The process of mining
particularly gold mining consists stages in which a miner will have to have a contact to different
poisonous chemicals that will harm the miner’s body. One of the most dangerous chemical is
known is the mercury (Hg) which is used to extract gold from a powdered ore (G Drasch. et. A,
2001l).Too much exposure to mercury lead not just to a simple skin diseases but also tissue
damages and even destruction of the bones.
Take for an example, the region of Diwalwal, located in Mt. Diwata also known as the
“Gold Capital of Compostela Valley Province” almost 15,000 residents living there. Almost of
them are small-scale miners and show presence of mercury in their blood, urine and hair
through neuro-pshychological testing. In this mere situation, the harmful effect of small-scale
mining can already be observed. This affects the quality of human-life not just the life itself but
also the quality of the human resource. Small-scale mining has a destructive impact on the
stability not only small-scale mining but also large-scale mining. When there is the exploitation
of the mineral deposits, economic problems occurs. Due to this, the economy tends to drop
because as all economists know, mineral shares a large amount in the pie of economy system.
As all people know, miners are the ones who work to extract minerals from the earth.
Mining is considered to be one of the most hazardous trades in the world. Thus, miners are the
most affected of the hazardous environment of mining most specially those who are not very
well assisted by the government. Due to lack of proper assistance, miners’ lives are at risk. But
because of the desires to feed the family, miners work in spite of the danger that they are
facing. The condition of miners has long been a concern but most studies are centered to the
mining only making the people being blinded by the reality of small-scale miner’s condition.
All of these things that tackles about the small-scale mining are first influenced the small-
scale miners. Before people enjoy the products of small-scale mining they all went through the
hands of miners. It is essential to check the miner’s condition specifically the small-scale miners
in all the aspects of their life because the management of the small-scale mining will depend on
the people behind it.
The authors concern in the small-scale miners centered in a Barangay Bukal, in the
municipality of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province where in small-scale mining industry is
fast arising. The great changes in the environment, population is observable. Surveying
numerous miners in barangay will show their condition in the present time.
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The paper will serve as the result of the miner’s answers to the said topic, “The
Condition of the Small-scale Miners in the Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
Province”.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1. What is the condition of small-scale miners in Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan
Compostela Valley Province in the following aspects:
A. Health
B. Economic Status
C. Administration
D. Safety
E. Family Relations
2. What are the improvements that the small-scale miners in Barangay Bukal,
Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province need?
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study is to determine the condition of the small-scale mining in
Barangay Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province in the following aspects:
To identify the condition of their health.
To determine their economic status in the present life due to their work.
To know the condition of the administration of their work.
To identify the condition of their safety during their work.
To identify the condition of their family relationship due to their work.
And to determine the wants and needs of the miners from the government.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The paper will discuss the personal condition of the small-scale miners in the Barangay
Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province in their present health condition due to their
work. It will also discuss the condition of the miners’ economic status as a functional unit of the
country where they belong due to their work. The paper will also discuss the administrative
aspect of their work. The paper will also tackle about the safety conditions of the miners in the
mining site. The relationship between the miners and their respective families will also be
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discussed in the paper. The paper will also cite the needs and wants of the miners from the
government for their betterment.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Students. The study will help the students to explore informations about the condition of
the small-scale miners. The study will also serve as a guide for the students to realize some
realities in life.
Teachers. The paper will help the teachers as a reference in teaching their students with
the topic related to the study.
Local Government. The study will help the local unit in making and implementing laws
and policies about the small-scale miners. The paper may serve as their basis.
Miners. The paper will help the miners to realize their real conditions.
Private Organization about Small-scale Mining. This study will serve as their basis in
promoting their advocacies in strengthening the miners’ betterments.
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Chapter II
RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES
Related Literatures and Studies
Catholic Relief Services and the Commission on Natural Resources of the DRC Bishops’
Conference (Needs Assessment, Jan 10 2011) said that mining is usually carried out by man
and children is found in the mining site working as well. This study is related to the topic
because mostly of the chosen respondents are males.
The health conditions of the respondents are to be analyzed, as Noel Parato Colina
stated that all miners experience occupational health problems like repetitive stress injury (RSI),
poor ventilation, and body malfunction. (Mining in the Philippines and the effects on
occupational health and safety of mine workers. November 21-23, 2006.Renmin University,
Beijing, PROC).
As said by Asirot J. P and Israel D. C, (Mercury Pollution Due to Small-Scale Gold
Mining in the Philippines: An Economic Analysis, undated) that the small-scale miner’s income
are good yet low. However, miners could afford in living in their chosen area and can still live
comfortably. This shows that the mining helped a lot in lifting the lives of poor miners.
As what said Cathal Doyle, Clive Wicks and Frank Nally (Mining in the Philippines
Concerns and conflicts Report of a Fact-Finding Trip to the Philippines. 2007) that the financiers
must put funds on the mining in the Philippines. The financiers should provide the miners their
needs in order to have a better time of work but in the form of limited generosity so that the
business is still standing.
As stated by T. Hentschel, F. Hruschka, and M. Priester (Artisanal and Small-Scale
Mining Challenges and Opportunities, 2003) that small-scale mining lacks capital for the
financing. It has a big financial problem and difficulties in the roll of funds. The trio’s study
showed a problem in the environment of small-scale mining.
DAO No. 97-30 (Chapter IV sec.1 Rule 17 & 35 Sept. 11, 1997) stated that all miners
must wear protective wardrobes like skull guards, rubber boots and must bring lighting device
such as spotlights as they enter tunnels. The same with the statement of the Coal Mine Health
Inspection Procedures Handbook 9 (unknown author, Jan 1 2003) that all persons engaged in
handling hazardous chemicals must wear protective materials such as face masks, hand
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gloves. These statements set some safety measurements for the miners in order to avoid
unwanted accidents.
Daniel Hamilton (Handling the mining lifestyle and your relationships, February 26, 2010)
said that working in distant from home could create a loss of communication, could build walls
between each member of the family and could give probabilities of having family problems
related to the work of the miner. This is relevant to the study because one of the aspect that
would be discussed is condition of the family relationship of the miners.
The need of the safety insurances of the miners should be tackled due to the different
occupational health and safety problems arising in the small-scale mining. Mongolian Nature
and Environment Consortium (Improving the life of informal Gold miners in Zaamar Gold field,
2011) that the miners need social insurances because of the risky work of the miners and its
accident prone environment of the work. In line with this, Thomas Hentschel, Felix Hruschka,
and Michael Priester (Maroon perceptions of small-scale gold mining impacts, II A survey in
mining camps and affected communities in Suriname and French Guiana, March 31, 2004)
stated that almost of the miners do not possess safety insurances.
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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Research Design
The research was a survey scheme method. It was used to determine the conditions of
the small-scale miners in the Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province to the
different aspects of their lives as workers. These aspects include their health, economic status,
administration of their work, safety and the family relationship between the miners to their
respective families. The research also identified the five things that the small-scale miners
wanted from the government.
Research Instruments
The researchers gathered informations from the respondents through a questionnaire.
The questionnaire was a three-paged paper which contained statement that will be responded
by the respondents by putting a check mark to the boxes containing Always marked as 5,
Frequently as 4, Seldom rated as 3, Sometimes numbered as 2 and Never as 1. It also
contained a second part which was to be ranked by the respondents from 1 as the highest level
and down to 5 as the lowest one.
Research Participants
The researchers chose the small-scale miners in Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela
Valley Province as their respondents because they possess all the knowledge and capabilities
in answering the questionnaire and to satisfy the research which mainly concerned on the small-
scale miner’s conditions.
Research Gathering Procedure
The researchers firstly gave a letter of approval respectively signed by the English II
instructor and the Department of Forestry Chairman to the Dean of College of Agriculture and
Related Sciences (CARS). After having the letter of approval with the sign of the CARS Dean,
another letter of permission was made intended for the surveyed area and to the respondents.
On the day of the survey, the researchers gave the letter of permission to the captain of
Brgy. Bukal. After having the signed permission, the researchers were free to conduct their
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survey to the cited respondents by giving questionnaires and having their answers as the
informations gathered by the researchers from them.
Statistical Tool
The researchers used Likert Scale,
(Corresponding Answer) x (Value of Answer) = N,
N------------------- = Mean (x)
N t
and Frequency and Percentage,
CFRF (%) = ---------------- x100
Σ xi of CF
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CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATAS
Discussion and Interpretation of Results
Chapter IV is all about the analysis and interpretations of the results from the responses
of the participants of the survey.
Table 1 is about the age range of the respondents on the cited survey area. The table
showed 9 respondents out of 25 were at the ages of 16-21. Table 2 is the interpretation of the
health condition of the respondents which showed a good health condition of the respondents at
a range of means, 1.48-3.12. Table 3 is the analysis of the economic status of the respondents
showing that the respondents were at a good economic status in life due to their works with a
range of 2.52 to 3.48. Table 4 is the interpretations of the condition of administration in the work
of the respondents. The table showed a range of 2.76 to 4.44 saying that the respondents were
all experiencing an excellent administration from the financiers and their team leaders. Table 5
is about the safety conditions of the respondents which said that the respondents had a low risk
from danger showing that they follow some safety measures with a range of mean, 3.12 to 4.48.
Table 6 showed the conditions of the relationship between the respondents and their families.
The table showed that the respondents were quite far away from their family due to their works.
The table had a mean range of 2.12 to 3.48. The last table was the analysis of the different
governmental actions that the respondents wanted from the government to be implemented to
them. The table showed results that the respondents highly need a complete safety insurances
among the other statement cited.
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Table1.The Range of Age of the Small-scale Miners in Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province
Range of Age Frequency Percentage
16-21 years old 9 36%
22-26 years old 6 24%
27-32 years old 7 28%
33-38 years old 0 0
39 years old and above 3 12%
Total 25 100%
The respondents were all males and were ranged into ages 16-21 years old, 22-
26 years old, 27-32 years old, 33-38 years old and 39 years old and above. As shown in Table
1, nine (36%) of the respondents belonged to the group of ages 16-32 years old; 7 (28%) of the
respondents were in 27-32 years of living; while 6 (24%) of the respondents were all at the
brackets of 26-32 years old; none of the respondents were at the 33-38; and 3 (12%) of the
respondents were at the 39 years old and above.
The table coincided in the statement Catholic Relief Services and the Commission on
Natural Resources of the DRC Bishops’ Conference that mining is worked mostly by men and
there is the presence of youth as workers in the mining sites.
The table did not coincide to the statement of Colina that the all miners experience
occupational health problems like repetitive stress injury (RSI), poor ventilation, and body
malfunction.
Table2. The Health Condition of Small-scale Miners in Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.
STATEMENTS MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. I experienced back pains. 3.12 SOMETIMES
2. I experienced fever.1.92
OFTEN
3. I experienced headaches. 2.28 OFTEN
4. I experienced breathing
difficulties.1.48 NEVER
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5. I experienced joint pains. 2.4 OFTEN
6. I have experienced food
poisoning.1.48 NEVER
7. I experienced diarrhea. 1.84 OFTEN
8. I have experienced other
lung diseases like
Pneumonia.
1.68 OFTEN
9. I experienced skin diseases.
1.64 NEVER
1.0-1.7 – NEVER EXPERIENCED1.8-2.5 – OFTEN EXPERIENCED2.6-3.4 – SOMETIMES EXPERIENCED3.5-4.2 – FREQUENTLY EXPERIENCED4.3-5.0 – ALWAYS EXPERIENCING
In the table 2, the respondents responded to the statements related to their health
conditions from means 1.48-3.12. The table shows that most of the respondents had a good
health condition. Statement 4 and 6 gathered 1.48 mean showing that most of the respondents
never experience breathing difficulties and food poisoning. On the other hand, statement 1 had
the mean gathered, 3.12 which means that the respondents sometimes experience back pains.
Statements 2, 3, 5 and 7 belonged to the same description which is Often Experiencing.
However, statement 5 had the highest mean, 2.4. Next is the statement 3 which had a mean of
2.28, followed by the statement 7 that had 1.84 of mean. Statement 8 and 9 both had belonged
to the description of Never Experience. Statement 8 accounted 1.68 of mean and statement 9
had 1.64 of mean.
Table 3. The Economic Status of Small-scale Miners in Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.
STATEMENTS MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. My income is sufficient to provide food
for my family.3.48 GOOD
2. My income is sufficient for my
children’s education and to other (if
there is any) from kindergarten to
2.52 LOW
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college.
3. My income is sufficient to invest in a
bigger business.2.68 GOOD
4. My income is sufficient to build a large
and concrete house.2.32 LOW
5. My income is sufficient to buy
everything I want.3.44 GOOD
6. My income is sufficient to afford
anything which is out of my budget.3.4 GOOD
1.0-1.7 – VERY POOR ECONOMIC STATUS1.8-2.5 – POOR ECONOMIC STATUS2.6-3.4 – GOOD ECONOMIC STATUS3.5-4.2 – VERY GOOD ECONOMIC STATUS4.3-5.0 – EXCELLENT ECONOMIC STATUS
The economic status of the respondents had been tabulated in table 3. The means ran
from 2.52-3.48 showing that the economic status of the respondents is on the Good Economic
Status.
Statement 1 has a mean of 3.48 and belongs to the Moderate Economic Status; while
statement 2 has 2.52 of mean that has a description of Low Economic Status; statement 3
gathered a mean of 2.68 and belongs to the Moderate Economic Status; while statement 4
accounted 2.32 mean that belonged to Low Economic Status. Statements 5 and 6 were both
belonged to Moderate Economic Status, statement 5 got a mean of 3.44 and statement 6 had
3.4.
The table supports the statement of Asirot and Israel that the income of small-scale
miners is positive but low. Although their incomes are low, still they can afford to live in their
area and can sufficiently afford their living.
Table 4. The Condition of the Administration of the work of the Small-scale Miners in
Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.
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STATEMENTS MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. We are provided with free
medicines and vitamins by our
financier.
4.4 VERY POOR
2. Our financier provides us
weekly food.4.4 EXCELLENT
3. Our financier provides us free
mining tools.4.44 EXCELLENT
4. Our team leader distributes the
things that our financier
provided to us.
4.4 EXCELLENT
5. Our team leader considers
absences as a deduction to our
income.
2.76 MODERATE
6. We use 60-40 system when
dividing incomes.4 EXCELLENT
1.0-1.7 – VERY POOR ADMINISTRATION
1.8-2.5 – POOR ADMINISTRATION
2.6-3.4 – GOOD ADMINISTRATION
3.5-4.2 – VERY GOOD ADMINISTRATION
4.3-5.0 – EXCELLENT ADMINISTRATION
All of the respondents were all working with their respective groups and were all
designated to different work in the mining site. Table 4 showed the condition of the
administration of their work. The means ran from 2.76-4.44 which showed that the respondents
were all experiencing an excellent administration to their work. Statement 3 had the highest
mean which is 4.44, showing that most of the respondents were all provided with mining tools
by their financiers. Statement 1, 2, and 4 gathered the same mean, 4.4 saying that most of them
were provided with free medicines and vitamins, weekly given with food by their team leader
and distributes the things that their financier had provided to them. Statement 6 had a mean of 4
showing that they are using 60-40 system when dividing incomes. On the other hand, statement
5 got a mean of 2.76 telling that sometimes, their team leader considers absences a deduction
to their income.
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The table corresponds to what C. Doyle, C. Wicks and F. Nally that the financiers should
gave funds the mining in the Philippines. And that the financiers must give the miners their
needs in order to have a better time of work but in the form of limited generosity so that the
business is still standing.
The table negates the statement of T. Hentschel, F. Hruschka, and M. Priester, that
small-scale mining lacks capital for the financing. It has a big financial problem and difficulties in
the roll of funds.
Table 5. The Safety Conditions of the Small-scale Miners in Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province.
STATEMENT MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. I wear skull guard in the
mining site.3.12 SOMETIMES
2. I wear rubber boots in the
site.4.48 ALWAYS
3. I wear face mask when
handling chemicals.3.72 FREQUENTLY
4. I wear gloves when
handling chemicals.3.96 FREQUENTLY
5. I bring spotlight when
entering tunnels.3.92 FREQUENTLY
6. I follow-up safety
insurances.3.28 SOMETIMES
7. Our team leader conducts
an inspection to the
tunnels for safety
purposes.
4.28 FREQUENTLY
1.0-1.7 – NEVER DID/ EXPERIENCE1.8-2.5 – OFTEN DO/ EXPERIENCE2.6-3.4 – SOMETIMES DO/EXPERIENCE3.5-4.2 – FREQUENTLY DO/ EXPERIENCE4.3-5.0 – ALWAYS DO/EXPERIENCE
As shown in table 5, the safety condition of the respondents played from the means of
3.12-4.48 which showed a low risk of danger when they are in the mining site. Statement 1
showed mean of 3.12 which said that they sometimes wear skull guards in the mining site.
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Statement 2 accounted 4.48 saying that most of them wear rubber boots in the mining site.
Statement 3 got a mean of 3.72 showing that they frequently wear face mask when handling
hazardous chemicals. Statement 4 had a mean of 3.96 showing that they frequently wear
gloves when they handle chemicals. Statement 5 had a mean of 3.92 saying that they frequently
bring spotlights when entering tunnels. Statement 6 got a mean of 3.28 which gives a hint that
they sometimes follow-up their safety insurances and statement gathered a mean of 4.28 saying
that most of the time, their team leader conducts an inspection to the tunnels for safety
purposes.
The table shows that the respondents followed the DAO No. 97-30 (Sept. 11, 1997)
which stated that all miners should wear protective tools like skull guards, rubber boots and
must bring lighting device such as spotlights. The table also agreed with the statement on Coal
Mine Health Inspection Procedures Handbook 9 ,that any persons who are involved in handling
hazardous chemicals must wear protective wardrobes such as face masks, hand gloves.
Table 6. The Condition of the Relationship of the Small-scale Miners of Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province to their Family.
STATEMENTS MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. I go home weekly. 2.64 GOOD
2. I go home monthly. 2.28 POOR
3. I work with my family in the
mining site.2.12 POOR
4. We conduct family reunion. 3.16 GOOD
5. I go to church with my
family.3.28 GOOD
6. I experience family
problems due to my work.3.48 GOOD
1.0-1.7 – VERY POOR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP1.8-2.5 – POOR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP2.6-3.4 – GOOD FAMILY RELATIONSHIP3.5-4.2 – VERY GOOD RELATIONSHIP4.3-5.0 – EXCELLENT FAMILY RELATIONSHIP
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The condition of the relationships of the respondents with their family which is also
affected by their work had also tabulated in table 6. As shown in the table 6, the means ran from
2.12-3.48 that shows a negative good relationship between the respondents and their families.
Statement 1 had a mean of 2.64 showing that most of the respondents seldom come back to
their home weekly. While statement 2 got a mean of 2.28 saying that they don’t usually come
back to their homes monthly. Statement 3 shows that most of them do not work with their family
in the mining site with a mean of 2.12. Statement 4 gathered a mean of 3.16 showing that many
of the respondents seldom conduct a family reunion. Statement 5 had a mean of 3.28 showing
that the respondents they go to church with their family only a few rimes. And the statement 6
accounted 3.48 of mean that they experience a family problem due to their work.
The table agreed to D. Hamilton that working far away from home could create a loss of
communication, and could build walls between each member of the family.
Table 7. The Ranking of the Government Actions that the Small-scale Miners in the Brgy.
Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.
STATEMENTSRANK VOTES
1 2 3 4 5
1. The government will
conduct a monthly check-
up to the miners.
5 7** 4 3 6
2. To be a legal worker and
be given enough education
pertaining to the work.
3 6 10*** 5 2
3. To have a complete safety
insurances.10* 3 3 5 3
4. To have a family
orientation regarding the
work of the miners in order
for the family to understand
the miner’s work and the
miner himself.
3 6 5 7**** 4
5. To have a government
agency specified for the 4 3 3 5 10*****
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miners that monitors all the
developments and
happenings as well as the
conditions of the miners.
TOTAL 25 25 25 25 25
*- first rank**- second rank***- third rank****- fourth rank*****- fifth rank
Table 6 contains the second part of the survey questionnaire where in there are
statements regarding some government actions that the respondents wanted to be implemented
for their betterment. Statement 3 was ranked 1 with the votes of 10 respondents, next is the
statement 1 which gathered 7 votes from the respondents. Third is the statement 2 with 10
votes out of 25 respondents who voted for it to be third. Fourth is the statement 4 itself with the
votes of 7. And fifth is the statement 5 with 10 votes.
The table agreed to the report of the Mongolian Nature and Environment Consortium
that miners need social insurances because of the risky work of the miners and its accident
prone environment of the work. The table also serves as a proof to the statement of the M.
Heemskerk & M. Olivieira that most of the miners do not possess safety insurances.
CHAPTER V
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
Summary
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The study was conducted through a survey scheme method at the Brgy. Bukal,
Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province and was entitled, “The Condition of Small-scale Miners
in Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.” Held on March 11, 2012.
The researchers chose 25 respondents to answer their questionnaire. Through their
responses, it was found out that 9 out of the respondents aged from 16-21 whom dominated the
survey. The main objective of the study was achieved through the responses of the respondents
to the six categories of the questionnaire. The information gathered from the survey was
interpreted through Likert scale method and Frequency and percentage method.
The first category was the health condition of the respondents and showed a mean
range from 1.48-3.12 which showed a good health condition of the respondents. The statements
4and 6 had the mean of 1.48 which meant that the respondents barely experience breathing
difficulties and food poisoning. While statement 1 had the mean of 3.12 showing that the
respondents usually experience back pains because of their work. The second category is the
economic status of the respondents which showed that the respondents were in the description
of good economic status by looking at the range of mean of the category, 2.52-3.48. The lowest
mean was in the statement 2 saying about the respondents’ capability on sending their children
to kindergarten to college. And the highest mean was at the statement 1 which pertained on the
food providence of the respondents to their family. The third category was the administration of
their work which also showed a positive result on the study, by the mean range of 2.76-4.44 the
respondents proved that they were well managed by their financiers and team leader.
Statement 3 had gathered 4.44 which meant that the respondents were well provided with
mining tools and statement 5 had the lowest mean of 2.76 saying that their team leader
sometimes considers absences as deduction to the income. Fourth category was the safety
condition of the respondents that showed a low risk of danger of the respondents in the mining
site. The range of mean is from 3.12- 4.48. This range was from the statement 1 which states
that the respondents seldom wear skull guards and statement 2 which says that most of the
respondents wear rubber boots when they are in the mining site. The fifth category is the
condition of the family relationships among the respondents. The mean range is from 2.12-3.48
which showed a good family relationship between the respondents and their respective family.
The mean 2.12 is for the statement 3 which says that most of the respondents don’t work with
their family in the mining site and the mean 3.48 stands for the last statement which says that
the respondents had experienced some family problems due to their work. And the last category
was the second part of the questionnaire which contained some governmental actions that the
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respondents wanted from the government. It was ranked from one up to 5. And the results
showed that the respondents’ most wanted governmental action is the statement 3 which talks
about the complete safety insurances for the respondents. The fifth on the rank was the
statement 5 that states about governmental agency that would check the small-scale mining
and the small-scale miners’ condition.
Conclusions
Through the study, the researchers conclude the following:
Even in the dirty and tiring perspective of mining, the health condition of the small-
scale miners in Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province is in the good
state. Sometimes they experience body pains but simple type of pains only.
The gold mining in Brgy. Bukal, Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province helped the
economic status of the miners to be in a good status and they can afford to live in
their chosen living place.
The respondents experience excellent administration from their financiers and team
leaders and that they are not treated unfairly. Their financiers provide them with
everything they need for their work.
The respondents have a low risk of danger which is good for them. They set simple
safety measures for themselves’ safety.
Due to their work, the respondents have a gap between them and their family. They
no longer do what a family usually does because of their work stands in the way.
The respondents need safety insurances because they are all aware that their lives
are all at risk due to their work
Recommendations
In line with the conclusions above, the researchers humbly recommend the following:
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To the respondents should continue have a good health condition which is affected by
their work. They should also maintain the economic status that the mining brought to
them nowadays. The miners should also continue practicing safety measures in the
mining site to avoid accidents. On the other hand, the miners should set time for their
families so as to improve their relationship.
The financiers as well as the team leader will continue to provide the miners with their
needs as far as the mining are concerned. And continue the excellent administration to
the miners.
To government agencies and non-governmental organizations, they should set attention
to the small-scale miners and give incentives through implementing policies and
regulations in line with the conditions of the miners, complete safety insurances as an
example of these policies.
To the college students who are planning to have a study with connection to this study,
the students might study the effects of land elevation to their work as miners in the Brgy.
Bukal, Nabunturan Compostela Valley Province.
CHAPTER VI
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