DENR awaits MICC decision on suspended miners’ appeal

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is still waiting for the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC)’s position on the appeal of mining firms that were ordered close and suspended before it can release its final decision.

“We are waiting for the MICC. We need to harmonize the findings, then we will release the decision,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

Cimatu said the DENR, for its part, is already done with its decision.

“We’re already done, but we want more harmonizing,” Cimatu said.

The DENR earlier targeted to release last April 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,” Cimatu earlier said.

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

According to earlier reports, only eight mining companies filed a motion for reconsideration with the DENR to stop the suspension orders given to them by Lopez more than a year ago. 

In contrast, 17 companies went straight to the Office of the President to file their appeals. Among these are Oceanagold (Philippines), Inc., Benguet Corp., Hinatuan Mining Corp., Marcventures Mining and Development Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp. and Erramen Minerals, Inc.

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

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