Philippine President to review decisions to close nickel mines
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he will review the order to close more than half of the country’s nickel mines for environment impacts, following an outcry from affected producers, Singapore’s Channel News Asia online newspaper reported on February 18.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: Reuters)
Singapore (VNA) - PhilippinePresident Rodrigo Duterte said he will review the order to close more than halfof the country’s nickel mines for environment impacts, following an outcry fromaffected producers, Singapore’s Channel News Asia online newspaper reported onFebruary 18.
It was the first time President Duterte madethe announcement on reviewing the decisions of Environment and NaturalResources Secretary Regina Lopez to shut mines and cancel miningcontracts.
Previously, on February 2, Secretary Lopezasked to close 23 out 41 nickel mines in the Philippines since nearby riveshave been contaminated by the mines’ operation.
The decision was seen to affect about 1.2 million people and opposed by mineowners and workers, who said they will take legal action to overturn theSecretary’s order.-VNA
The Philippines on July 7 ordered the suspension of operations at two nickel ore mines in the northeast province of Zambales for environmental violations and also halted the issuance of mining permits
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: Reuters) 
