MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte met with mining stakeholders late Thursday, a week after he threatened to tax the industry "to death" if they fail to comply with environment standards.

"The President essentially said, for as long as mining groups, big or small, follow the rules on mining and keep environmental laws in mind then there would be no problem and they can continue with their operations," Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters Friday.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was among those present in the gathering at Malacanang's Heroes Hall.

Apex Mining Co resigned from the Chamber of Mines earlier Thursday, citing "disappointment and frustration" with the group's response to the President's call for the industry to preserve the environment.

• Duterte warns miners: 'I will tax you to death'

Chamber of Mines spokesman Ronald Recidoro said the group was "exerting pressure" on its members to "implement improvements."

"There are some mines that need to improve their operations, their environmental protection programs and their social development initiatives," he said in a statement. -- with a report from Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News