Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned the mining companies on Monday that either they should strictly follow tighter environmental rules or shut down.
Duterte also said the country can exist without a mining industry.
"We will survive as a nation without you," Duterte told Reuters, referring to the miners in Philippines. "Either you follow strictly government standards or you close down."
The Southeast Asian country has suspended activities of seven domestic mines as they failed to adhere to the environmental regulations.
The Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez began an audit of all mining sites on July 8. Last week, she vowed that she will close more operations of those mines which are causing environmental destruction.
