Philippines Open-Pit Mining Ban Recommended for Removal

The Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) has voted in favour of lifting a ban on open-pit mining in the Philippines; the world’s top nickel ore exporting country. The country’s Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said he is hopeful that the ban would be lifted by the end of the year. 
MICC also agreed that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau should “take a closer look” at potentially expanding 24 areas covered by Mineral Production Sharing Agreements. Cimatu said he will present the council’s recommendation at a Cabinet meeting in November. Lifting the ban would allow mining projects such as Sagittarius’ $5.9 billion proposed copper and gold mine in South Cotabato province to proceed. Open-pit mining was banned in Cotabato in 2010, which prompted operator Glencore (LSE:GLEN) to leave the project in 2015. A removal of the ban could also prompt Philex Mining (OTCMKTS:PXMFF) to resume development on its $1.2 billion Silangan copper and gold mine.
“We will strengthen the regulatory environment surrounding the implementation of open-pit mining,” Cimatu told reporters. Former Environment Secretary Regina Lopez criticized the council’s recommendation calling it “disgusting” and expressed concern about environmental damage.