open pit ban - interesting commentary

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?id=25996


... South Cotabato, meanwhile, hosts Sagittarius Mines, Inc. which is controlled by global mining icon Xstrata. TVI is using open-pit mining in its Canatuan, Zamboanga del Norte operations, while Sagittarius Mines will apply the same method in the town of Tampakan in South Cotabato since mineral resources are on shallow ground.
While the South Cotabato provincial board members are united with civil society against open-pit mining, South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy has expressed an open view on the issue, if a statement sent to media last Monday is proven accurate.
The governor said he is still waiting for an environmental impact study on the project, which Sagittarius Mines has promised to submit within the first quarter. He was quoted as saying the study will serve as basis in determining safety of open-pit mining.
If thats the case, Mr. Pingoy will likely withhold the signing of the South Cotabato environment code that contains the ban until end of March. And if hes satisfied with the results of the mining firms environmental impact study, he might not even sign the ordinance at all.