DENR’s Cimatu confirms mining firms suspended by Gina Lopez about to resume ops

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Wednesday confirmed that some of the mining companies earlier closed and suspended by his predecessor - the late Regina Paz Lopez - will be allowed to resume operations.

During the virtual press conference following the pre-SONA forum on Wednesday, Cimatu said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) audit teams have already done onsite inspections and already came up with recommendations.

“‘Yung mga dumaan lang sa proper [review]... at nag-submit ng [motion] for reconsideration sa DENR,” Cimatu said.

“Nagkaroon ng audit ng aming mga technical experts, pumunta doon sa mining companies na suspended by former Secretary Lopez,” he said.

The Cabinet official, however, did not disclose the names of mining firms which will be allowed to resume since reviews are still ongoing.

In 2017, Lopez, a staunch anti-mining advocate, ordered the closure and suspension of the mining activities of 26 firms as a result of the DENR’s controversial industry-wide environmental audit.

In 2018, the DENR, under Cimatu, reviewed the closure and suspension orders of Lopez. He validated the suspension of AAMPHIL Natural Resources and Exploration and Development Corp., Carrascal Nickel Corp., Emir Mineral Resources, Krominco Inc., Libjo Mining Corp., Mt. Sinai Exploration and Development Corp., Strong Built Mining Development, Wellex Mining Corp. 1&2, and Zambales Diversified Metals Corp.

Cimatu also affirmed the closure of Claver Mineral Development Corp., Ore Mining and Development Corp., and Oriental Synergy Mining Corp.

The Environment chief, during the briefing, assured that only those that rectified their violations and complied with corrective measures will be allowed to re-open their mine sites.

“‘Yung mga hindi [nag-comply] pa ay talagang tutuloy pa naman nila ang kanila compliance bago sila i-allow na mag-open,” Cimatu said. -MDM, GMA News