DENR hints of mine closures, suspensions

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is certain that some mining companies will be closed and suspended based on the partial results of its review.

DENR is set to release this month its decision on the appeals made by the 23 mining firms that were ordered closed and suspended by former environment secretary Gina Lopez due to environmental violations.

“What I am very sure of  is there will be  companies that will be ordered (closed and suspended). Our partial results will be harmonized with those of MICC’s (Mining Industry Coordinating Council),” said DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“Major violation committed by most of the companies is illegal cutting,” he added.

“We have some partial results, but we are waiting for results from MICC. We’re supposed to release it last month, but they sought for extension, so we’ll  do it this month,” he said.

Some anti-mining groups earlier expressed concern that Cimatu might reverse the decision and just impose penalties.

Cimatu said the DENR’s order would be final and executory.