MANILA, Philippines — The interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council has agreed to conduct the second round of “objective, science-based, and fact-finding” review of mining operations in 2019.
The 15 mining firms to be examined next year were part of the 41 mines initially reviewed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources while Regina Lopez, whose appointment was rejected by a congressional panel, was Environment secretary in 2016.
MICC is eyeing to commission the same team of experts who audited the first batch of 26 mining companies, the Department of Finance said.
The MICC started a six-month review last March. In July, the council said 23 mines met the panel’s criteria while four failed.
READ: MICC set to start review of 26 mining operations | 23 of 27 mines pass government review
The Philippines is the world’s biggest supplier of nickel ore and also among the top producers of copper and gold. However, the sector contributes less than 1 percent to the country’s economy.
Under Executive Order No. 79, the MICC is mandated to examine all mining operations once every two years. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral