DENR chief says ban on open-pit mining to stay in place

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said at a news conference on Monday that he would not lift a ban on open-pit mining imposed in April, and that an inter-agency mining council would review how mining companies are taxed.

Cimatu, a former general, was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte in May after Duterte's previous choice as environment secretary, Regina Lopez, failed to secure senate confirmation after a crackdown on mining companies designed to protect the environment.

"There is a department order on the ban on open pit mining issued by Secretary Lopez," Cimatu told a news conference in the capital. "It still stays."

Staunch environmentalist Lopez led a 10-month campaign to rein in the mining industry, ordering the closure or suspension of 26 mines in the world's top nickel ore supplier and imposing a ban on open-pit mining.

The fate of those mines remained uncertain, with Cimatu taking a more measured approach since taking office. He told reporters on Monday he was in no rush to make a decision on whether to maintain, modify, or reverse his predecessor's orders.

"I don't want to put pressure on my people," Cimatu said. "No need to rush. We have to review voluminous documents. I need to look at all the evidence that the companies gave us."

Following his remarks, the mining and oil subindex dropped 0.11 percent, reversing early gains, as of the noon break.

Duterte said last week he wanted to stop exporting unprocessed mineral resources and warned miners in the world's top nickel ore supplier he would impose more taxes on the industry to raise money to help communities hurt by their operations.

Cimatu said both proposals were being discussed in the mining council.

Shipment of metallic mineral resources from the Philippines continues despite the tough business environment and uncertain future that miners are facing, as well as a seasonal drop in local output due to unfavorable weather.

Nickel ore output in the country fell 51 percent in the first quarter due to rains and the suspension of mine operations, according to the latest government data available. — Reuters