The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said some mines shut down by the previous leadership of the agency have been allowed to reopen after complying with corrective measures, according to Secretary Roy Cimatu.
“Those which have (asked) for reconsideration underwent audit from our technical experts… Thirteen appealed in the DENR while 14 had their appeals submitted to the Office of the President. Those that are lodged in the DENR were audited with recommendations,” Cimatu told the Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) virtual briefing yesterday.
Cimatu did not elaborate but it will be recalled former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez in 2017 ordered the closure of 23 mining firms for alleged violation of various environmental laws.
These included Benguet Corp.; Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp.; BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Inc.; Eramen Minerals Inc.; LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc.; Zambales Diversified Metals Corp.; Mt Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp.; Emir Minerals Corp.; TechIron Mineral Resources Inc.; AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration; Oriental Synergy Mining Corp.; SinoSteel Philippines HY Mining Corp.; Kromico, Inc.; Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp.; Wellex Mining Corp.; Libjo Mining Corp.; ADNAMA Mining Resources Corp.; Claver Mineral Development Corp.; Hinatuan Mining Corp.; CTP Construction and Mining Corp.; Carrascal Nickel Corp.; Marcventures Mining and Development Corp.; and Platinum Group Metals Corp.
Lopez also ordered the suspension of Berong Nickel Corp., CitiNickel Mines and Development Corp., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp., OceanaGold Philippines, and Strong Built Mining Development Corp.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau later recommended the resumption of operations of Zambales Diversified Metals, Berong Nickel, Carrascal Nickel and Strong Built Mining Development.
At the briefing, Cimatu addressing climate change remains a priority of the government despite the COVID-19 as this poses existential risks for future generations.
Cimatu said changes in climate have a multiplier effect, leading to other problems, from ecosystem stability to food production and human conflict including loss of ecosystem and biodiversity.
Cimatu added that major environmental protection programs like solid waste management, reforestation and biodiversity conservation, must be consistent with the overall response to COVID-19, future pandemics and climate crisis.
