Philippine mine shut as storms cause spill

MANILA (AFP) - A Philippine gold mining firm said on Friday waste had leaked from one of its mines due to heavy rains, forcing the government to shut down production.

Chief mining regulator Leo Jasareno said the government was assessing the potential hazards posed by the tailings spill at the Padcal mine, though Philex Mining, the country's top gold mining firm, denied the discharge was toxic.

"We have issued a suspension order on the mine," Mr Jasareno told AFP by telephone as he drove to the mine, located near the northern mountain resort of Baguio. There were no reported casualties.

"Philex is exerting its maximum effort to address the accidental discharge, and has mobilised the requisite resources in this regard," the company said in a statement.