MANILA - Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he would favor mining if it complies with environmental safety standards set by Australia, which handles one of the world's largest mineral extraction industries.

Duterte, who assumes office on June 30, is gradually making his economic policies known as he builds a new government from Davao City, where he has served as mayor for decades.

"I said, if you can follow the Australian standard of taking care of the mining area... If you can follow the Australian standard of mining, I will allow it," he told reporters.

"But if are destroying the terrain, soil contamination and all, that is a serious problem, not only of the president, but of everybody," he said.

The 71-year-old tough-talking mayor blasted local officials for allowing mining in their communities without proper safeguards.

"That is why I am aghast, itong mga barangay captain, walang ginagawa. Itong mga mayor, walang ginagawa. Itong mga government official, provincial, walang ginagawa. They issue the environmental (clearance)," Duterte said.

Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, initiated mining law reforms aimed at giving the government a bigger share of revenues and synchronizing local and national regulations.

A $5.9-billion copper-gold project in Tampakan, South Cotabato failed to push through under Aquino due to a provincial government ban on open-pit mining.

Duterte won the May 9 elections with a promise to wipe out crime and corruption.

His eight-point economic agenda includes reforming the tax system, spurring agriculture growth and easing restrictions on foreign ownership of business.