February 2: The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) Regina Lopez announces the closure of 23 mines, mostly nickel producers, and the suspension of five mines based on environmental grounds, following months-long audits

February 14: Sec. Lopez announces the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements in watershed zones

The mining industry has opposed these closures, suspensions and cancellations, with a number declaring that they will resort to legal action.