The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) have completed the review of the activities of the 26 mining companies that were ordered closed or suspended by former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez in 2017.
In November, the DENR posted the news that it has resolved the Motions for Reconsideration submitted by the 13 mining companies that submitted their motions for reconsideration to the Department.
In the Resolutions issued by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu on November 12, 2018, three out of the 12 mining companies that were previously ordered closed were resolved to remain closed, namely; the cancellation of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) of Claver Mineral Development Corporation and Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation were affirmed; while the denial of the MPSA Application of Ore Asia Mining and Development Corporation was also affirmed.
Immediate and complete payment of all fines and penalties for violations committed were called for, and that transport of ore shall not be allowed until full rehabilitation is undertaken by these mining companies.
Meanwhile, the following were resolved to be suspended:
- 1. Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation
- 2. Krominco Inc.
- 3. Mt. Sinai Exploration and Development Corporation
- 4. Libjo Mining Corporation
- 5. Wellex Mining Corporation 1 and Wellex Mining Corporation 2
- 6. Carrascal Nickel Corporation
- 7. AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corporation
- 8. Strong Built Mining Development Corporation
- 9. Emir Mineral Resources Corporation
These mining companies were required to assume corrective measures within a timetable, on top of the payment of fines and penalties. Should they fail to implement such measures, the previously issued Cancellation Orders will be reinstated.
The previous Suspension Order issued to Berong Nickel Corporation has been lifted, but this is subject to the implementation of corrective measures.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division