Loading ...Philippines’ Duterte holds open pit mining ban despite pressure
Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte has refused to lift a ban on new open-pit mines, despite facing pressure from members of his government, including the current environment minister.
“I personally asked the President if there’s been a change in policy,” Harry Roque, Duterte’s spokesman said Monday according to the Inquirer. “And he says there’s still no new policy on this; there’s still a ban on new open-pit mining.”
The existing measure only affects projects, not mines currently in operations, though former environment minister Regina Lopez did prohibit open pit mining during her 10 months in office. The ousted ecologist, who shut down many of the country’s mines, believed the ban would reduce the environmental damage allegedly caused by the industry, helping preserve the “economic potential” of the country.
cont. http://www.mining.com/philippines-duterte-holds-open-pit-mining-ban-despite-pressure/