De Lima wants lifting of open-pit mining ban probed

FILE PHOTO: Senator Leila de Lima. INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima on Sunday sought an inquiry into the abrupt reversal of the four-year ban on open-pit mining.

In a dispatch from Camp Crame, De Lima said she sought a Senate investigation of the controversial decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to lift the ban on open-pit method of mining in the country.

“There is a need to conduct a thorough review of this policy decision as this can potentially open up the country once more to irresponsible mining practices, which could further compromise the environment and pose health and safety risks to people and their communities,” De Lima said.

—DJ YAP