The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau–Region V (DENR-MGB V) January 9 order authorized the Camarines Norte Environmental Response Unit (CNERU) to stop all operations of Yinlu Bicol Mining Corporation and its operator, Norteeste Corporation, in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte on January 16.

According to the order, the company continued its mining operations without an approved Work Program or Environmental Compliance Certificate. As a result, the agency revoked the firm’s permit to transport and export minerals. Yinlu had planned to export 55,000 metric tons of iron ore to Shandong Xinhai Mining Technology & Equipment Inc. in China.

The MGB confirmed that the company was illegally operating an open-pit mine in Barangay Larap, Jose Panganiban. It also found that Yinlu built a small port in Barangay Larap without clearance from the Philippine Ports Authority. The company ignored an earlier cease-and-desist order issued on October 30, 2024.

The soil used to build the small port was taken from the higher parts of the barangay without permission from barangay officials. The mining activities also severely disrupted the livelihood of local fishers by disrupting the marine environment.

Prior to this, Senator Kiko Pangilinan called for an investigation into the illegal mining operations of Yinlu in the province.

Yinlu Bicol Mining Company was identified in 2012 as among the main Chinese mining investments in the Philippines. The company also owns land in Barangay Larap, Jose Panganiban, bought from Manila Banking Corporation and Banco De Oro in 2007.