South Cotabato may finally implement...an ordinance that bans open pit mining....Provincial Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. said...that he signed the implementing rules and regulations...for the ordinance..."The environment code is not just about the open-pit mining ban. It also deals with quarrying and other activities which may affect our environment," Pingoy said...the provision...could impact mining investments...[such as] the proposed Tampakan copper-gold mine...[and] disrupt... small-scale mining operations, as well as coal mining...Late last year, the DENR was still optimistic that the issue...might be settled between the provincial government and project proponent Sagittarius Mines, Inc. Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje...said..."The company was able to explain that there will be no scenario of water depletion. In fact, supply may even be enhanced once the water equipment has been installed"...