President Rodrigo R. Duterte will most likely continue the implementation of open-pit mining ban imposed by late Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.
“He does not like open-pit mining. That is his policy,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a BusinessWorld report.
Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Environment and Social Development division head of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), said that the ban has adverse effects on the country’s attractiveness to international mining investors.
The $5.9-billion Tampakan project operated by the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is the most significant project put on hold as it was one of the largest gold prospects in the world.
Mining firms said they will continue the campaign to persuade the public on the benefits of open-pit mining.
“Open-pit mining is a globally-accepted method, can be operated safely, and can be rehabilitated properly in a manner that provides productive land use after the life of the mine,” Vice-President for Communications of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Rocky G. Dimaculangan said in the report.
“We will continue to work with the MGB on their Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign informing the public (of) what responsible mining is,” he added.
