I've re-read this article again - show's over for King Kingmaybe next June 2022 with a new admin? look like it was the IRR -
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that pulled the plug on this -
“The big reason [for keeping the ban on open-pit mine] is the IRR. We don’t want a lot of people to criticize the IRR just because of that provision. The Secretary doesn’t want any trouble that’s why we decided that we will not address that [in the IRR],” the source further said. The source also said that Cimatu may no longer address this issue during this Administration. “The Secretary doesn’t want to remove the ban anymore. Not now. Maybe it’s the task of the next Administration”.