Mining could generate much-needed revenues amid COVID-19 crisis —DENR

Allowing some mining companies earlier suspended or closed by the late former Environment Secretary Regina Lopez could help generate much-needed revenues for the government to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, a top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

“Kailangan natin ang mining ngayon dahil sa sitwasyon natin,” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“Alam naman natin malaki rin ang nakukuha nating revenue dito sa mining na ito,” Antiporda said.

The DENR official, however, could not provide an estimate how much the government could earn from mining.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, on Thursday, confirmed that some mining firms closed or suspended by Lopez in her controversial industry-wide environment audit would be allowed to resume operations after onsite inspections and reviews found that the miners have rectified their violations and complied with corrective measures. 

Antiporda said that while the mandate of the DENR was to ensure the preservation of the environment, the agency was also concerned how it could help the economy.

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 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 Laging Handa briefing, assured that only those that rectified their violations and complied with corrective measures will be allowed to re-open their mine sites. -NB, GMA News