Philippines partially lifts suspension order on quarry operations

A suspension order to halt quarrying operations in selected regions of the Philippines after the landslide near the Apo-Cemex quarry in Naga City, Cebu, has been partially lifted. Roy Cimatu, environment secretary, has allowed certain operations to resume after an inspection by teams from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The decision to fast-track the investigation was made to avoid affecting the price of cement and other materials which may impact the country's ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure programme, according to the Business Mirror.

Holcim Philippines was amongst some of the country’s manufacturers to deny a fluctuation in price. "The temporary quarrying ban had minimal impact on Holcim Philippines that would warrant any movement in prices since our raw materials suppliers were among those immediately cleared by the government to resume operations," said the company in a statement.