Mining activities probed as cause of Kennon Road landslides

BAGUIO CITY — Government engineers and geologists have been tasked with examining the role of mining activities in the deterioration of Kennon Road's structural integrity, according to Public Works Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon.

Dizon announced Friday that authorities are reviewing both abandoned American-era mines and a designated small-scale mining zone adjacent to the critical mountain thoroughfare. The investigation aims to assess whether past and present extraction activities have weakened the geological composition of surrounding slopes.

Kennon Road, a vital transportation corridor connecting Baguio City to the lowland provinces, has experienced multiple landslide incidents in recent years. Officials believe that mining operations—both historical and contemporary—may have compromised the structural stability of the mountain terrain.

The Public Works Secretary's directive represents an effort to identify and address underlying causes of the recurring natural disasters rather than treating symptoms alone. The outcome of the technical investigation is expected to inform future policy decisions regarding mining activities and infrastructure maintenance in the region.

No timeline has been announced for the completion of the geological assessment.