The Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) audit team has recommended the suspension of 12 mining operations, a DENR official said on Wednesday.
“The 12 (mining operations) were recommended for suspension (by the audit team), but we are reviewing that,” DENR Undersecretary Leo Jasareno said.
The mining operators, mostly nickel, were placed on the suspension line for alleged inadequate social development efforts, mining practice, and siltation.
The A-list may turn out longer as there are 30 mining operations in the country, he added. A press briefing led by Secretary Regina Lopez is expected on Monday.
Jasereno said that mining firms can still submit reports on why it should not be suspended.
The government expects a “roster of responsible miners” after the release of the audit results, which I scheduled on September 26.
There are currently 10 mining companies suspended namely Citinickel, EMIR Mineral Resources Corp., Mt. Sinai Exploration Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp., Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp., Berong Nickel., BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals, Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals, Inc. and the Zambales.
Meanwhile, the DENR will also audit coal – fired power facilities to ensure the safety of the environment.
Jasareno said that the audit will focus on the companies’ compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and will include all coal-fired power plants – both operational, constructing, and newly applied.
Coal generates one-third of the country’s current energy mix – along with natural gas.
