If the open pit method really destroys the environment, why does the ban only apply to some minerals and not others? Why has the DENR resorted to an extreme form of regulation but still limited the open pit method to a few minerals? The open pit method, regardless of the mineral to be extracted, will obviously pose the same environmental threat. One such exclusion from this ban is quarrying of cement materials, which technically should fall under the category of open pit mining. Clearly, the supposed exigency for implementing a ban has no leg to stand on because open pit mining is still allowed for other minerals.

Source: Philippine Star October 28, 2017 04:18 UTC