Assuming the ministry of the environment official's comment in not sanctioned by the government then the government becomes aware of the damage caused or is made aware by managements from the affected companies.
In that case government official phones each company's management and says that it is not so and an official notice will be issued shortly ( whatever 'shortly' means ). Management of each company can not say anything until the assurance is backed up by a signed document.

However the most likely scenarios paint the possibility that it is not only sanctioned but instigated by the government. Why?

There is the Vanessa settlement, would be nice to make it mute.
Crystallex political machinations, would be nice to make them pay.
Christina's copper, would be nice if it could be recovered instead of polluting so reject current application.
And how about combining the Brisas and Christina's operations into one.
There are the protesting miners which would be nice if they could be aimed at the mining corporations instead of the government. And the illegal miners need to be stopped cold.
To make it all appear proper it has to be a blanket statement otherwise door is open to legal challenges and reparations.

When the dust blows over reinstate desirable operations and likely at more desirable terms to the government ( at least some of the companies having been softened should be more ameniable to the suggestion).