It is understood that the Philippine President Duterte has not lifted a ban on open pit mining, going against the stance of a government panel and the environment minister who were seeking to reverse the policy. Open pit mining was allowed under the laws of the Southeast Asian country, as the world's top nickel ore exporter. But the former environment minister, Regina Lopez, banned it during her 10 months officer duty, saying the environmental degradation ruined economic potential of places.

The Mining Industry Coordinating Council, last month asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to lift the ban. Roy Cimatu, the new Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, supports removing the ban. Cimatu replaced Lopez when she stepped down in May after the Philippine Congress voted not to confirm her.