Philippine minister says mine closures in watershed areas non-negotiable
By Manolo Serapio Jr and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine environment minister Regina Lopez said on Thursday her order to shut mines operating in watersheds is non-negotiable and has the backing of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has the final say on the fate of the affected mines. Fifteen of the 23 mines are within watershed areas. "It would take a miracle to convince me to allow mining in watersheds.