Philippine mine body to seek release of audit after closure orders

A Philippine mining industry body said it will file a freedom of information request on Tuesday to press the government to release the results of a mining audit, following an order to close over half of the country's mines. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez last week ordered 23 mines to shut permanently, even though a team that reviewed an audit of 41 mines had recommended suspensions and fines for environmental violations, rather than closure, sources told Reuters.