The Philippine government canceled the environmental permits for four more mining projects, including the environmental compliance certificate for Intex Resources ASA's Mindoro nickel project, as the crackdown on erring mines and companies in the country continues, Reuters reported Jan. 18.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez said the nickel mine's proposed location covers a watershed and that the project would damage the environment.

A local Intex staff member declined to make an immediate comment on the matter and told the newswire that the branch is waiting for an official response from the company's headquarters.

Reuters further wrote that the three other canceled permits are for a gold mine, a coal producer and an iron ore-copper project.

The country's review of environmental compliance certificates is a separate probe from the mining audit that started in July 2016 and saw the suspension of 10 mines. The audit's final results are due to be released Jan. 31.