The Philippine government has requested to stop exportingnickel ore from Manicani island in the central part of the country due toenvironmental concerns, Reuters reported July 20, citing environment secretaryRegina Lopez.

Lopez said the stockpiles of 1.4 million tonnes must bereturned to the soil.

Earlier this month, the government two nickel projects in theZambales province to suspend operations due to environmental infractions whileimposing a one-month ban on new exploration projects to complete a review ofall existing mines.

The clampdown on miners came after Philippine PresidentRodrigo Duterte warned that mining companies causing environmental harmneeded to take corrective actions or be replaced by local investors.