Duterte tells mining industry to repair mismanaged natural resources

President Rodrigo Duterte warned miners anew on Monday to put in place radical changes and improve their business operations, or else face sanctions.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte warned the industry to improve their operations as the government will be imposing new mining policies.

“To the mining industry, I say this once again and maybe for the last time: Do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources.”

“Repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change management radically because this time you will have respective policies. The prohibition of open-pit mining is one,” Duterte said.

In June, the President vowed to address concerns about open-pit mining and hinted at the possibility of a total ban on open-pit mining.

“It is destroying my country. It is destroying the environment. It will destroy the world of tomorrow for our children,” he said on Monday.

“I, again, I warn the irresponsible miners along with their patrons to stop destroying our watersheds. Recharge areas, forests, and aquatic resources.” —VDS, GMA News