Final assessment on mining firms out soon — DENR
After several delays, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) may soon release its final assessment of the mining companies which had been ordered suspended and cancelled by former secretary Gina Lopez in an intensified government crackdown on mines.
“We are slowly submitting drafts to the Office of the Secretary. It will be all done by end of August,” Environment Undersecretary Maria Paz Luna told The STAR.
Luna heads the legal team that reviews the motion for reconsideration filed by mining firms. The results of the review will be forwarded to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu for his final decision and execution.
“Only those 13 (companies) that filed their MRs. The rest are with the OP (Office of the President) and we already filed our comment to most of the appeals,” Luna said.
Meanwhile, Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Wilfredo Moncano said the interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council will meet today to further discuss the issue and the next steps that will be undertaken.
During her stint, Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mining firms and the suspension of five others.
This was followed by the revocation of 37 mineral production sharing agreements in Mindanao, 27 in Luzon and 11 in the Visayas which are either under exploratory stages or for possible developments.
The DENR has originally targeted to release the results last May but due to transition of leadership following the exit of Lopez, the department has temporarily set aside the issue on the mining industry.