Mineral-rich Zamboanga del Norte is poised to...ban...open-pit and open-cut land surface mining within the province...The proposed ordinance was premised on worries the “drying up of rivers and creeks, and the thinning out of water resources…is becoming a phenomenon” in the province and could have long-term negative impact on its agriculture-based economy...In seeking to establish a local policy regulating mining operations, the Zamboanga del Norte legislators assert that local governments are mandated to “protect the environment, protect its flora and fauna, and secure its inhabitants from the harmful effects of manmade disasters.” [refers to Philex Gold (part of Philex Mining), TVI Pacific]