MANILA - The nickel industry on Thursday welcomed Malacanang's declaration that mines ordered shut or suspended by the environment department should be given due process.

The Philippines is the world's top supplier of nickel ore. Environment Secretary Gina Lopez last week shuttered 23 mines and suspended 5 others for alleged violation of safety laws.

"We laud President Duterte and his Cabinet’s evaluation on the matter,” the Philippine Nickel Industry Association said in a statement.

"While we admire the DENR’s advocacy, sweeping statements and policies regarding mining will actually bring more problems than the ones they seek to solve," the group said.

Lopez said earlier Thursday that there would be "no cop out" in her fight against destructive mining, ahead of a meeting of a Cabinet oversight body on the mining industry.