Indeed. Continued uncertainty. And it doesn't help that they...

Indeed. Continued uncertainty. And it doesn't help that they keep postponing the announcement itself.

That said, my understanding is that it is actually another 12 mines that they plan to suspend:

Meanwhile, 22 mining companies are in possible trouble after the DENR has confirmed that more than half of the country’s 40 metallic mines are recommended for suspension following the end of the month-long audit.

Environment Undersecretary Leo Jasareno, head of the audit team, said 12 mining firms are on the verge of suspension, on top of the 10 companies that were already stopped.

The potential silver lining in what is otherwise bad news is:

Jasareno, who led the audit team, declined to identify the candidates for suspension, but he said they are “mostly nickel” producers.

He cited “inadequate social development efforts” and “inadequate mining practice” as the main reasons for recommending the suspension of the 12 mines.

Though it does look like the DENR will be playing hardball going forward:

“We’re going to come strong on violations. And even if there’s compliance, I’m still going to push it a little bit further,” she told reporters. “You look at all the mines here and they all look horrible.”

Lopez, a staunch environmentalist, said she wants to make local mining practices more strict than in Canada or Australia and to push miners to come up with “area development programs.”

“I want progressive rehabilitation (of mine sites) where even at the onset you’ll do something so that when you leave, the place will still survive,” she said.