MANILA – Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Tuesday said she was “hopeful” President Rodrigo Duterte would continue supporting her crackdown on destructive mining.

Duterte said over the weekend that he “won’t do anything” if Lopez orders certain mines closed.

“He means business. He does things right away. I am hopeful,” Lopez said, referring to the President.

Lopez maintained that her decision to close or suspend 28 mines stands, despite a planned multi-stakeholder review of the industry.

Lopez said her office is “higher” than the Mineral Industry Coordinating Committee (MICC), which called for the review after mining firms protested an alleged lack of due process.

“I decide. I'm legally mandated to decide on the resources of the country,” she said.

Also on Tuesday, Lopez said she asked mining companies to explain why dozens of permits should not be cancelled because the projects are located in watersheds.