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Philippines upholds ban on open-pit mining

The Philippines' Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said on July 31 he would not lift a ban on open-pit mining imposed in April in an anti-pollution crackdown.
Philippines upholds ban on open-pit mining ảnh 1The Philippines' Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu says he would not lift a ban on open-pit mining imposed in April in an anti-pollution crackdown. (Illustrative photo: VNA)


Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippines' Environment andNatural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said on July 31 he would not lift a banon open-pit mining imposed in April in an anti-pollution crackdown.

Speaking with reporters, Cimatu said the ban on open-pitmining issued by former secretary Lopez will be continued, adding that he is inno rush to make a decision on whether to maintain, modify or reserve hispredecessor’s decisions.

He said he will review all evidence submitted bycompanies and affirmed that he does not want to put pressure on the people.

Cimatu, a former general, was appointed by PresidentRodrigo Duterte in May after former-appointee Regina Lopez, failed to securecongressional confirmation after a drive to implement environment protectionmeasures that raised mining industry hackles.

Earlier, Lopez led a 10-month campaign to control themining industry, ordering the closure or suspension of 26 nickel ore mines andimposing a ban on open-pit mining.

[Philippine ministers concern over mass pit closure]

Nickel ore output in the Philippines fell 51 percentin the first quarter due to rains and the suspension of mine operations.

Following the secretary’s remarks, the Philippines'mining and oil sub-index dropped 0.11 percent.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte also stated thathe wanted to stop exporting unprocessed mineral resources and warned miners inthe country he would impose more taxes on the industry to raise money to helpcommunities hurt by their operations.-VNA

VNA
#Philippines #open-pit mining #anti-pollution #environment protection #mining industry #nickel ore #mine operations #mineral resources #vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Philippines
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