As we reported earlier Wednesday, the hunger strike against Intex Resources and the Philippine government was started in protest against plans to start a nickel mine in the central part of the island of Mindoro.

Intex Resources issued the following statement Wednesday:

"Intex Resources has today been informed by Secretary Atienza of the DENR that the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for Mindoro Nickel is temporarily suspended for 90 days, in order for the Department to look into allegations put forward by demonstrators against the permit".

The company says it will inform the market further when more concrete information is available.

The plans for the nickel mine had generated concern among the predominantly rural population, regarding the consequences for their traditional trades.

The local authorities claimed 20,000 would have to be relocated before the mining operation could begin.

(NRK/press release)

Rolleiv Solholm