Philex Mining Corp. will have to put on hold its Silangan Mine operations in Surigao del Norte, after Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered a ban on open-pit mining.

“‘Di ba she issued an order banning all open pits? So, in the meantime, we hold na muna. We have to follow government,” Philex Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Prosperity For All Summit in Pasay City.

On Thursday, Lopez said she will ban open-pit mining in the country as part of her months-long crackdown on the sector she believes has caused extensive environmental damage.

The Silangan project combines the development of the Boyongan and Bayugo gold, copper and silver deposits.

Philex has started exploration works, and plans to operate an open-pit mine.

“There has been some initial development work. Remember, it was initially underground mining so there was work there and there was also some work in respect to open-pit but nothing significant,” Pangilinan said.

“If we are given all the relevant approvals, then we can proceed. But for now that’s put on hold,” he added.

Pangilinan said Philex invested around P17 billion for the project. — VDS, GMA News

By Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas