Cimatu to reopen mine sites closed by Lopez

MANILA, Philippines — Some of the mining companies closed or suspended by the late environment secretary Gina Lopez will be allowed to resume operations.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the permits to operate of these mining companies were reviewed after they appealed the closure or suspension order.

“An audit was conducted by technical experts... There were recommendations made for the companies. They complied and applied corrective measures,” Cimatu said during a virtual press conference after the pre-State of the Nation Address forum yesterday.

He said some of the mining firms have yet to comply with the requirements.

Cimatu did not identify the mining companies that will be allowed to resume operations.

Lopez ordered the closure and suspension of 26 mining companies for alleged violation of environmental standards, including the Philippine Mining Act.

The inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council chaired by Cimatu ordered the review of the  closure and suspension orders of the mining firms in 2018.