After the impact of Typhoon Mangkhut Saturday led to widespread landslides in the Phillipnes, President Rodrigo Duterte called for an end to all mining operations in the island nation.
According to reports, the president and several other government officials in the Philippines have called for an end to mining before, particularly illegal, small-scale mining they believe has resulted in an increase in landslides. Government officials have ordered a temporary halt to small-scale operations in impacted regions.
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As many as 64 people have been killed by mudslides in the nation’s Benguet province, which is known for gold mining. According to Associated Press reports, as many as 45 people were missing while 33 more were injured during the storm.
