The use and exploitation of mineral resources by rural communities in a collective form is at the centre of the livelihoods in many developing countries such as the Philippines. The issues are usually concentrated on common property regimes, that is to say, the legal regime, which governs the extraction and disposal of natural resources. The study is an analysis of the political ecology of a contested common pool resource in the case of small-scale gold mining in the barangays along the Iponan River in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines. Firstly, it assessed the socio-economic conditions, described the mining activities and identified problem areas in the communities. Secondly, it discussed the actors involved, especially the miners who find mining as an important source of income and a survival strategy for impoverished people in the communities. Thirdly, it reviewed the institutions and the policies that govern the sector. Lastly, social impacts that resulted to a host of major social and environmental problems were discussed. The political ecology of the SSGM sector in the city is plagued with institutional problems. These include weak legislation, complex policies and poor implementation and sometimes government marginalization.