Philippines' Duterte seeks 'happy compromise' between environment and mining

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raises a glass of water as he proposed a toast during the Asian Development Bank 50th anniversary in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he hopes there will be a "happy compromise" between the mining industry and protecting the environment, throwing support once more to an embattled minister who shut half of the country's mines.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Lopez will appear before Congress for her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, and will likely have to defend her decisions on mine closures amid concerns over job and revenue losses.