Green groups laud decision to stop mining in watersheds

Demand confirmation of Gina Lopez as DENR Secretary

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) lauds the decisive action of DENR Sec. Gina Lopez in issuing “show-cause orders” to 75 mines located in watersheds all over the country. This is on top of the 23 cancellation and five suspension orders for mining firms were signed and released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez. ATM was informed that the cancellation and suspension orders were issued by DENR last Feb. 8, 2017.

The 23 mining companies to be closed are:

• Benguet Corporation

• Ore Asia Mining and Development Corporation

• BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Incorporated

• Eramen Minerals Incorporated

• LNL Archipelago Minerals Incorporated

• Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation

• Mt Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corporation

• Emir Minerals Corporation

• TechIron Mineral Resources Incorporated

• AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration

• Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation

• SinoSteel Philippines HY Mining Corporation

• Kromico, Incorporated

• Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corporation

• Wellex Mining Corporation

• Libjo Mining Corporation

• ADNAMA Mining Resources Corporation

• Claver Mineral Development Corporation

• Hinatuan Mining Corporation

• CTP Construction and Mining Corporation

• Carrascal Nickel Corporation

• Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation

• Platinum Group Metals Corporation

While the five suspended are:

• Berong Nickel Corporation

• OceanaGold Phils Incorporated

• Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation

• Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation

• Strong Built Mining Development Corporation

The decision to close and suspend these mining firms was announced last February 2, 2017, as they failed the mining audit mandated by the issuance of Executive Order 79 of the previous administration.

Sec. Lopez said that the said cancellation and suspension orders will take effect immediately after each of the mining companies received them.

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support to the Environment Secretary to close the mines that have violated laws, last February 12, during his visit to Surigao province which was recently hit by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake.

“If Gina orders the closure of a mine, I won't do anything," President Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines, lauded the Sec. Gina Lopez for her action.

“Finally, the voice of mining-affected communities was heard by our government. We are thankful to Secretary Gina Lopez for fulfilling her promise to end their suffering; to end the destructive large-scale mining operations in these particular areas,” said Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of ATM.

He also stated that their group supports the campaign against large-scale mining in the Philippines.

“We also appreciate Sec. Gina for being inexorable, despite being threatened by mining capitalists and politicians. We and our partner communities continuously support her as DENR secretary, and her campaign against the destruction of environment and people’s lives.” Garganera added.

ATM also called for immediate confirmation of Gina Lopez as Secreraty of DENR. “It is hightime that we get a DENR secretary who is biased for the environment and for social justice”, Garganera added.

###

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their civil society support groups which oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, and passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

CONTACT:

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator, 09175498218 - nc@alyansatigilmina.net

Karl Isaac Santos, Media and Communications Officer, 09173011934 - media.comms@alyansatigilmina.net