It was only after incoming presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella assured the public that president-elect Rodrigo Duterte was just against irresponsible and illegal mining that share prices managed to bound back. Abella said the Duterte administration is committed to promote a dynamic economy including responsible mining.

Meanwhile, incoming peace adviser Jess Dureza stressed that mining companies following government regulations have nothing to worry about.

Unfortunately, Lopez has been quoted as saying that there is no such thing as responsible mining, adding that the poorest cities in the country are mining sites.

The big question is, and assuming that her conclusion is correct, without mining, where would these "poor" cities where the lands are mostly unsuited for agriculture, be.

One report mentioned UP environmental economist Dr. Oggie Arcenas as saying that Lopez seems a little rigid in terms of her anti-mining stance and that there might be a need for a little bit of adjustment.

Prof. Carlo Arcilla, a former head of the University of the Philippines (UP) National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), said Lopez lacks scientific training and discernment as revealed in her pronouncements.

Meanwhile, some parties have urged Lopez to personally address certain issues that may damage her credibility.
Read more: Responsible mining