Philippines shuts down mining operations

The environment agency in the Philippines has cancelled at least 70 large-scale mining contracts. The government says it is stepping up its campaign to stop extraction in what it describes as ‘critical areas’ in the south of the country.

The environment agency in the Philippines has cancelled at least 70 large-scale mining contracts.

The government says it is stepping up its campaign to stop extraction in what it describes as “critical areas” in the south of the country.

But many people from the mining industry, who fear for their livelihoods, have opposed the decision.

Al Jazeera’s Jamela Alindogan reports from Compostela Valley, in the southern Philippines.