MANILA, Philippines – At least 20 mining companies have failed the audit conducted by

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Among these firms are Libjo Mining Corp., AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration and
Development Corp., Krominco Inc., Carrascal Nickel Corp., Marcventures Mining and
Development Corp., Filminera Resources Corp., Strongbuilt Mining Development Corp.,
Sinosteel Philippines Mining Corp. and Oriental Synergy Mining Corp., DENR Secretary
Gina Lopez said yesterday.

Wellex Mining Corp., Century Peak Corp., Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp., CTP
Construction and Mining Corp., Agata Mining Ventures Inc., Hinatuan Mining Corp.,
Benguet Corp., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., Oceana-Gold Philippines Inc.; Adnama
Mining Resources Inc. and SR Metals Inc. also failed the audit.

Lopez said the mining firms were given seven days to submit an explanation on why
they should not be suspended.

Lopez said she would meet with representatives of the mining companies next week  to
get their side.

“They need to get their acts together,” she said.

“I will also be meeting with the companies that passed the audit that was completed
last month. I want to push them further to make their performance better,” she added.

DENR senior undersecretary Leo Jasareno said among the reasons why the mining firms
failed the audit were  siltation, soil erosion, dust emission, lack of social development
and rehabilitation projects as well as forest destruction in their areas of operation. The
companies also lack tree cutting and water permits.