The DIOPIM Committee on Mining Issues is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Dipolog City, the Philippines. We are a committee spearheaded by the Roman Catholic Church and composed of Social Action Directors, NGOs and Indigenous People’s groups. Our mission is to change people’s perceptions regarding mineral mining. In particular we seek to liberate people from the belief that mining promotes sustainable development.

DCMI is primarily an advocacy group which works with mining affected communities in order to protect their families, land and livelihoods from the destructive effects of mining. At the grassroots level we work to educate communities about mining, the environment and their rights. We seek to facilitate dialogue within the community and assist those who would otherwise have trouble making their voices heard.

At the national level we work with other NGOs and various faith communities to coordinate our advocacy campaign. We seek to mobilize broad base support for the “Dapitan Initiative” that was launched in 2002. This initiative is a demand to the Philippine Government to “Scrap the Mining Act of 1995” (also know as RA 7942). We also collaborate with our partners to educate and inform the Filipino people about mining, indigenous rights, and the environment.

At the international level we work with individuals and NGOs who are concerned with environmental protection, indigenous rights and corporate responsibility. These partners help us get our message out to a wider audience and strengthen our lobby efforts to various government offices. They also assist us in placing pressure on irresponsible mining companies and investors in their home countries.