The government is set to shut down 12 more mines, after an audit allegedly discovered inadequate mining practices in these sites, an Environment official said Wednesday.
Environment Undersecretary and head of mining audit team Leo Jasareno said twelve mining companies were recommended for suspension after the audit. He said Environment Secretary Regina Lopez would identify the companies Monday.
“Based on the initial review, 12 are recommended for suspension but we are still reviewing that. Remember that the process is [that] the audit team will report and then we will review,” he said.
“These companies have inadequate social development efforts, inadequate mining practices and some have environmental violations. Majority of these companies are nickel-producing,” Jasareno said.
He said the agency was also finalizing the results of the audit of the remaining 18 mining companies.
“The final report will be announced by the secretary on Monday,” Jasareno said.
Environment Secretary Regina Lopez also said more than 10 mining companies would be suspended due to several violations.
“More than 10 mines will be suspended. We’re gonna discuss it with our scientists,” Lopez said.
“There are a lot of violations. We want to be strict on the violations because in Canada, one violation and you’re finished. Here in our country, it’s okay,” she said.
“We’re having a full day planning with many of our scientists to make sure that the audit report covers all angles and is within current DENR standards. I have to give recommendations and we will finalize the results,” Lopez said.
The government has so far suspended the operations of 10 mining companies. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the DENR to assess the mining operations in the country.
The audit on mining firms aims to determine the adequacy and efficiency of the environmental protection measures of each mining operation.
It also seeks to identify gaps in environmental protection measures and to determine the appropriate penalties in case of violations of the mining and environmental laws.
“We have to give recommendations and what should be done. My stand is that we should be much better than Canada or Australia because we’re an island,” Lopez said.
“ I’m going to New York to negotiate for a $1-billion investment for Mindanao. I will be back on Sunday and then I will have a press conference on Monday morning to announce the results of the audit,” Lopez said.
Lopez said she would meet with representatives from the United Nations and the private sector for possible investments in Mindanao.