What is the impact of the mining audit on nickel production in the Philippines?

After releasing its initial mine audit results in September 2016, the Philippines Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed its final audit decisions on 2 February, recommending that 23 mining operations be closed, most of which, were nickel mines. Not surprisingly, this announcement has resulted in confusion and unrest throughout the country’s mining sector. Given the backlash, on 10 February the government granted the right of appeal to the affected companies, allowing them the opportunity to challenge the closure orders and the basis on which they were issued.