OceanaGold Corp. CEO Mick Wilkes denied that the company violated environmental regulations in the Philippines, Reuters reported Sept. 27.

The company's local unit OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc., which owns and operates the Didipio gold mine in the country, was one of the 20 mining firms the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recommended for suspension earlier that day, according to Rappler.com.

After suspending 10 mines on environmental violations by August, Environment Secretary Regina Lopez flagged more mine suspensions ahead.

This brings the total of mines ordered for suspension to 30, out of the 40 mines audited.