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OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. has made substantial gains in its progressive rehabilitation by adopting an innovative and pioneering approach branded as the “Harmony in Diversity (HiD) Effect.” Progressive Rehabilitation, as defined by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, is a cost-effective engineering and biological approach to mine rehabilitation. It aligns with the approved post-mining land use and should be implemented throughout all stages of mining to support ecosystem recovery and biodiversity regeneration.
HiD has significantly reduced OGP’s1 or USD63,000 per hectare in 2023 to just PHP1.3 million or USD23,000 per hectare in 2025. The decrease is attributed to shifting away from hydroseeding, a conventional rehabilitation method that relied on imported mulch which is a material used to enrich the soil, and fast-growing grass seeds that required frequent trimming and costly maintenance.
Beyond cutting costs, the initiative has also created a positive impact by allowing the budget originally allocated under traditional rehabilitation processes to be maximized. The savings can now be reallocated to other environmental programs of the Company, strengthening its overall environmental stewardship efforts.
The HiD Effect successfully combines four distinct methods in rehabilitation: Miyawaki Method from Japan, Zai Pit Technique from Burkina Faso, Mycorrhiza fungi introduction for soil nutrition, and the use of decomposing twigs or trees to help create mini-ecosystems for bacteria and fungi. The approach mimics the original ecosystem of an area using the natural symbiotic relationship of different plants and species which were found endemic to the land before the mining operations.
First implemented in the second quarter of 2024, the HiD Effect is ahead of the Memorandum Order No. 2025-001 issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in February 2025 to leverage the natural succession process in which ecosystems recover over time through the sequential establishment of plant and animal species.
“Through the HiD Effect, we can transform a disturbed mining area into a self-sustaining forest in just three to five years which used to take at least 15 years under the conventional method,” Donna Del Moro, OGP’s Acting Superintendent for Environment, said.
Owing to HiD Effect’s success, the Company is already in discussions with the Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the principal research agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to conduct further research in order to develop a successful rehabilitation criterion to be recommended in the rest of the mining industry. ERDB, together with the MGB, visited the Didipio Mine last April 2025 as part of a nationwide assessment of progressive rehabilitation practices.
“We value the opportunity to collaborate with DENR’s principal research arm, combining their institutional knowledge with our on-the-ground innovation,” Nericel Langres-Daulayan, OGP’s Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office Manager, said.
Traditional mine rehabilitation is labor-intensive, typically requiring hydroseeding, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration, and costly slope stabilization. Mature forest species, which are essential to replicate natural ecosystems, are often introduced much later, prolonging the recovery timeline. By contrast, the HiD Effect allows forest layers to develop simultaneously. This creates faster biodiversity recovery, enriched soil nutrients, and conditions for fauna such as birds, insects, and other wildlife to return sooner.
Based on OGP’s monthly monitoring, endemic birds such as pacific swallows, swiftlets, and wagtails have been spotted in the rehabilitated area.
“We have also observed native plants from other areas growing naturally in the rehabilitated area without our intervention, which indicates that animals are already helping spread seeds and rebuild the ecosystem. With richer biodiversity and improved water retention, we also expect these rehabilitated areas to strengthen natural defenses against erosion and landslides during heavy rains,” Del Moro added.
As of June 2025, OGP has successfully regenerated 16% or 55 hectares of the disturbed 345 hectares of the mine. The Company has approximately spent USD 2.5 million since 2013 for its progressive rehabilitation.
“OceanaGold is committed to leaving a positive legacy by proving that responsible mining includes not just resource development but also regenerative ecosystem renewal. The HiD Effect ensures that post-mining areas can thrive and sustain communities for generations to come,” Langres-Daulayan added.
Leading construction company EEI Corporation (EEI) has been awarded the construction of Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 1 in Kawit, Cavite, and Megaworld Corporation’s Arcovia Hotel in Pasig City. This brings the Company’s total project wins in the third quarter of 2025 alone to PHP 19.1 billion, marking a solid turnaround from its recorded performance in the previous year. The Company’s total backlog or unworked portion of existing contracts as of end August 2025 is PHP 39.24 billion.
MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI) recently awarded EEI the construction of selected sections of CALAX Subsection 1 in Kawit, Cavite. It is a PHP 2.7 billion project which covers the construction of the roadway, drainage systems, and related structures. Once completed, CALAX is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Cavite and Laguna, easing traffic congestion and supporting regional economic growth.
In the hospitality sector, EEI secured a contract with Megaworld Corporation for the construction of Arcovia Hotel in Pasig City. The scope of work includes civil, structural, and architectural finishing, including painting and waterproofing works.
“These new project wins mark a significant turnaround for EEI, reflecting our resilience, competitiveness in the industry, and renewed growth momentum. More than expanding our portfolio, these infrastructure and building projects reaffirm our commitment to nation-building by helping drive economic growth, enabling connectivity, and delivering facilities that uplift the lives of our people and our communities,” said EEI Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial and Operations, Anna Payawal-Figuera.
Backed by a healthy pipeline of projects, EEI looks forward to sustaining its growth trajectory and further contributing to the country’s development and economic growth.
On August 22, EEI announced its strategic expansion into real estate development by capitalizing on its overall land bank of 139 hectares in various strategic locations. This move marks a significant milestone in the Company’s long-term growth strategy to evolve from a pure-play construction company into a fully integrated property and infrastructure developer.
By entering the real estate development space, EEI aims to capture greater value across the property lifecycle. The diversification is designed to leverage the Company’s extensive construction expertise, robust project management capabilities, and established industry relationships.
The company is currently preparing its initial pipeline of real estate projects for various properties located in Makati, Quezon City, Bataan, Cavite, and Pampanga. These will be undertaken with the same commitment to quality that has characterized EEI’s track record in construction.
“This endeavor is part of the Company’s long-term strategy to strengthen and expand its role in nation-building, not only in infrastructure but in providing housing solutions to a mass number of people who currently do not have access to proper, dignified, and comfortable housing accommodations in the metro and neighboring provinces,” said EEI President and CEO Henry D. Antonio.
Along with this vision, EEI, in support of the government’s push to address housing backlog in the country, will also develop quality housing projects in various prime locations within Greater Manila Area.
EEI will also develop an Affordable Luxury Micro Condominium (ALMC) in Clark, Pampanga. The project's vision is to create a living environment designed with thoughtful spaces that go beyond a workers’ accommodation facility.
In Cavite, EEI is set to transform a property into an integrated township that will house residential and commercial spaces, office buildings, sports, leisure and entertainment amenities.
“Real estate development represents a logical and timely progression for our organization. By integrating development into our business portfolio, we strengthen our competitive position, diversify our revenue streams, create additional long-term value and fulfill our investment commitment to our stakeholders. It also supports our sustainability commitment by providing socialized, decent and sustainable living spaces for our people,” Antonio added.
“Diversifying into real estate development is consistent with our long-term vision of becoming a fully integrated industry leader. We remain committed to delivering sustainable growth, enhancing shareholder value and contributing to nation-building,” said Toni Venette Picar, EEI Vice President for Corporate Finance and New Business Development.
EEI’s real estate diversification positions the Company as a forward-looking, diversified company that goes beyond its reputation in construction and engineering.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has reached a significant milestone in the construction of the MTerra Solar plant—with 778 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels now installed on-site.
This achievement exceeds the project’s 750 MW target and positions MTerra Solar as the largest solar PV installation in the Philippines to date. Once complete, it is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility.
“MTerra Solar stands as a clear example of how we can shape the country’s energy future through strong partnerships and a shared vision. With 778 MW of solar PV capacity now installed, we are making real progress toward delivering cleaner and more sustainable power for Filipinos,” said Dennis B. Jordan, MTerra Solar and MGEN Renewable Energy president and CEO.
“This milestone reflects the hard work of our teams on the ground, the support of our government partners, and the trust of the communities we serve,” Jordan said.
Since the project’s groundbreaking in November 2024—led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—MTerra Solar has reached 54 percent overall completion for Phase 1. The integrated PV and battery energy storage system (BESS), along with a 500‑kilovolt transmission line to the Nagsaag‑San Jose corridor, is supported by a workforce of over 9,500, which has logged more than 7.5 million safe manhours.
The facility is a critical element of the Philippines’ plan to achieve 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Local officials hailed the project’s community and economic benefits.
“At the heart of our provincial agenda is the vision of sustainable, inclusive and future‑forward development. The provincial government of Nueva Ecija will continue to champion projects like MTerra Solar. It is our duty to pave the way for a future that is not only bright but also clean, green and just,” said Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali, represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Maria San Pedro.
For his part, Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual added, “Nakakatuwa dahil libo-libong trabaho at negosyo ang naging oportunidad dito sa Lungsod ng Gapan at pakikinabangan ng mga Batang Gapan.”
“[We also express our] deep appreciation that a great number of the workforce is now providing livelihood... The strong partnership that we build today is a commitment to improve lives of our people now and beyond,” said General Tinio Mayor Sherry Bolisay.
Spanning 3,500 hectares—nearly the size of Pasig City—the project stretches across Gapan, Peñaranda, General Tinio, San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija, and San Miguel in Bulacan. Once fully operational, MTerra Solar will deliver 3,500 MWp of solar capacity and 4,500 MWh of energy storage, powering some 2.4 million households and avoiding approximately 4.3 million tons of CO₂ emissions yearly—equivalent to taking over 3 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the road.
Constructed with the support of EPC leaders Energy China, POWERCHINA, MIESCOR, and Huawei, as well as grid interconnection specialists Maxipro Development and Fujian Electric, the project is on schedule to complete Phase 1 by early 2026 and Phase 2 in 2027—three years ahead of MGEN’s 2030 renewable capacity goal.
MGEN’s broader portfolio now boasts nearly 5,000 MW of combined capacity across traditional and renewable sources.
Over the past decade and a half, the Philippine mining industry has experienced a dynamic and often turbulent journey shaped by evolving government policies, environmental activism, shifts in global commodity markets, and new technological and economic priorities.
From 2010 to 2025, the sector has witnessed sweeping regulatory reforms, the rise and fall of major mining projects, highly publicized environmental controversies, and a renewed focus on mining’s role in the green energy transition.
Your Philippine Resources Journal has witnessed and chronicled these events over the last 15 years, and as we celebrate our anniversary in this issue, this narrative hopes to unpack the key events, policies, and trends that have defined the PH mining landscape during this pivotal period.
Early 2010s: Industry Ambitions and Rising Tension
The start of the 2010s saw heightened optimism within the Philippine mining sector. Policymakers promoted mining as a pillar of national industrialization, encouraging value chain development and community-based mining initiatives. The spotlight fell on projects like Xstrata’s Tampakan copper-gold development, which promised to catapult the country into the ranks of leading mineral exporters.
However, these ambitions quickly ran into strong headwinds. Environmental groups and local communities intensified their campaigns against large-scale mining, culminating in South Cotabato’s enforcement of a provincial open-pit mining ban in 2011, which effectively stalled the high-profile Tampakan project (now under Sagittarius Mines Inc. or SMI).
National debates over mining’s true social and environmental costs gained traction, with the Senate holding hearings and grassroots campaigns like “No to Mining in Palawan” galvanizing public opinion.
2012–2015: Regulatory Shift and Industry Slowdown
In 2012, President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order 79 (EO 79), a landmark policy that imposed a moratorium on new mining agreements while calling for stricter environmental regulations and the rationalization of the sector.
EO 79 signaled a major policy pivot, prioritizing responsible mining practices and environmental safeguards over unfettered industry expansion. The moratorium brought new investments to a halt, and by 2013, the industry’s contribution to GDP had declined, with mining companies facing mounting criticism for pollution, deforestation, and community displacement.
Despite these headwinds, the sector maintained a degree of resilience. By 2014, metallic mineral production reached ₱138.6 billion, with nickel emerging as the country’s leading export mineral. The mining industry paid ₱21.4 billion in taxes that year and began expanding environmental and social development programs in response to growing scrutiny.
In 2015, investments rebounded to nearly US$1 billion, and operations at Didipio (under OceanaGold), Toledo (Carmen Copper), and Coral Bay (Rio Tuba) highlighted the sector’s ongoing economic relevance.
The Philippines also became a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), reflecting a new emphasis on accountability and global best practices.
2016–2017: The Gina Lopez Era and Heightened Environmental Scrutiny
A dramatic turning point arrived with the appointment of Gina Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Duterte administration in 2016.
Lopez launched an unprecedented nationwide audit of mining operations, prioritizing ecological integrity and community welfare above industry profitability. Dozens of mines were suspended or ordered closed for failing environmental standards, and a national ban on open-pit mining was imposed.
The reforms, while applauded by environmentalists and many local communities, sowed uncertainty throughout the industry and triggered a wave of legal and political challenges. By 2017, Lopez’s tenure had resulted in the suspension of five major operations and the closure of 23 others.
While the value of metallic production remained stable due to global price increases, the industry grappled with regulatory unpredictability and the prospect of further interventions. The DENR also mandated full EITI participation, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency.
However, Lopez lasted only one year in the post -- and died in 2019 from brain cancer. She was succeeded at the DENR by former military general Roy Cimatu, who continued the Duterte government’s holding pattern on mining.
2018–2020: Recovery, ESG Emphasis, and Pandemic Disruption
With Lopez’s departure, the regulatory climate gradually stabilized. Year 2018 saw a rebound in mining production, as the sector deepened its commitments to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in response to both domestic activism and international investor expectations. However, opposition to large-scale mining remained potent, with ongoing protests and calls for stricter oversight.
By 2019, the moratorium from EO 79 was still in effect, and exploration budgets stayed low. Major projects like Tampakan and Silangan (under Philex) continued to languish in regulatory limbo. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt another blow, disrupting operations and supply chains.
Nevertheless, mining still contributed ₱102.3 billion to the national GDP, with nickel maintaining its status as the top export mineral. Notably, Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds were redirected to support pandemic relief efforts in mining communities.
2021–2023: Policy Reversal and New Growth Drivers
A watershed moment came in 2021, when Executive Order 130 (EO 130) lifted the nine-year moratorium on new mineral agreements, signaling a more investment-friendly posture while retaining environmental safeguards.
This policy reversal was driven in part by the growing global demand for so-called “green metals” such as nickel and copper, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies. Gold and nickel production surged, and the industry began to recover from years of stagnation.
In 2022, the government lifted the open-pit mining ban, further encouraging investment. The DENR promoted exploration for critical minerals, and exports soared to US$7.53 billion.
By 2023, the value of metallic production reached ₱249.7 billion, with 59 operating metallic mines and a strong focus on ESG. The DENR committed ₱387.95 billion to environmental programs, reflecting the sector’s newfound emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.
2024–2025: Mining’s Strategic Role in Green Transition
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office, mining was explicitly prioritized as a key component of economic recovery and the national energy transition. Policymakers emphasized downstream mineral processing, seeking to capture greater value domestically rather than exporting raw ore.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under the DENR projected a strong outlook for the sector, buoyed by international demand for minerals critical to decarbonization. By 2025, mining was recognized as essential to the Philippines’ green technology ambitions. Nickel demand soared in response to the global EV boom, and draft fiscal reforms proposed tiered royalty schemes to balance government revenue with investor appeal.
The long-stalled Tampakan copper project was once again under consideration for launch in 2026, symbolizing the sector’s renewed confidence and strategic importance in a rapidly changing world.
Key Trends and Lessons Learned
Throughout this period, several overarching trends defined the local mining sector. Policy volatility—marked by alternating waves of restriction and liberalization—had profound impacts on investor sentiment and project viability.
Environmental scrutiny intensified, with audits, suspensions, and ESG compliance becoming central to mining operations, especially from 2016 onward. The industry’s role in the global green transition brought renewed focus on nickel and copper, transforming them into strategic assets.
Finally, post-2021 reforms and global market dynamics triggered a revival in investment and exploration, as the Philippines positioned itself to supply critical minerals for a decarbonizing world.
The trajectory of the PH mining industry over the last 15 years illustrates a complex interplay between resource development, environmental stewardship, social accountability, and economic opportunity.
As the sector looks ahead, its continued evolution will depend on the delicate balancing of these priorities in the face of both domestic challenges and global shifts – and your Philippine Resources Journal will be here, ready to chronicle these changes.
In today’s mining landscape, success is no longer measured by output alone. Clients worldwide are being asked to demonstrate environmental responsibility, meet increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks, and secure their social license to operate while improving operational efficiency.
In regions with high rainfall or limited tailings storage areas, these challenges are even greater. For mining companies ready to answer that challenge, Metso offers a compelling and proven solution: dry stacked tailings.
A smarter, safer approach to tailings
Tailings management has long been one of the mining industry’s most persistent and visible challenges. Conventional slurry-based storage systems, reliant on high water volumes and large tailings dams, come with known environmental, operational and safety risks. Catastrophic failures in recent history have only accelerated the shift toward alternatives that reduce these risks.
Metso’s dry stacked tailings technology is more than just a safer option; it’s a strategic investment into the long-term resilience of your operation. By removing water from tailings through high-efficiency filtration and stacking the material dry, the tailings dam is eliminated, water recovery is significantly increased, and the site’s environmental footprint is lowered.
Sustainability at the core of innovation
For Metso, sustainability isn’t an add-on—it’s engineered into every solution. Their dry stacked tailings systems use cutting-edge pressure filtration, such as the Larox® FFP (Fully Automated Filter Press) and the VPA (Vertical Plate Pressure Filter – Airblow) filter, to achieve up to 90% water recovery. These systems are modular, energy-efficient, and scalable to fit the needs of both greenfield and brownfield operations.
From Chile’s high-altitude Salares Norte gold mine to the Skouries project in Greece, Metso’s dry stacking solutions are already proving their value in demanding, water-scarce environments. Part of Metso’s Metso Plus portfolio of equipment, parts, and services designed to deliver enhanced performance and proven sustainability benefits, helping customers operate more efficiently, profitably, and responsibly.
End-to-end solutions for real-world impact
What sets Metso apart is not just its technology, but its deep commitment to helping clients through the entire tailings lifecycle. Metso offers:
Tailings test work and feasibility studies
Customized filtration and thickening solutions
Process water recovery and closed-loop systems
Digital simulation tools like Geminex™ for performance optimization
Life Cycle Services (LCS), including installation, training, spare part plate pack maintenance, and performance audits, based on needs.
This end-to-end approach ensures that tailings management is not just compliant but optimized, maximizing throughput, minimizing downtime, and creating new opportunities for value recovery from waste.
Turning Responsibility into Results
For future-focused mine operators, dry stacking is more than a compliance measure; it’s a way to build trust with regulators, investors, and surrounding communities. It’s a way to show the world that sustainable mining is not only possible, but also profitable.
With Metso as your partner, you don’t need to compromise between performance and responsibility—you get both. Let’s move tailings from liability to legacy.
Talk to Metso today about how dry stacked tailings can transform your operation for good. For local support, please contact Lawrence Lazaro or Raz Raullo, at orderdesk.asia@metso.com, or visit our office in Manila. Visit our tailings management solution here
The Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) Caraga Chapter reached a new milestone with the successful conduct of its 1st Caraga Mining Symposium held on August 22–24, 2025 at the Emerald Hall, Hotel Tavern in Surigao City.
Carrying the theme “Navigating Towards a Greener Environment, Resilient Mining Communities, and Good Governance,” the three-day event gathered professionals from the mining industry, government regulators, academic institutions, sponsors, and community representatives. It was the first time that Caraga—known as the country’s mining hub—hosted an event of this scale solely dedicated to mining engineers and allied professionals.
The symposium featured a full program of technical sessions, a mining exhibit, and knowledge-sharing forums. Discussions focused on the increasing importance of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in day-to-day mining operations. Industry leaders emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional, but an operational imperative for companies that want to remain competitive and socially accepted.
Apart from the formal sessions, participants were also treated to a mine tour that offered a closer look at modern practices in safety, environmental management, and community engagement. To cap off the event, the chapter organized the Miner’s Gold Rush Fun Run, which brought together professionals, students, and community members in a lighter, more festive atmosphere.
More than just a technical gathering, the 1st PSEM Caraga Mining Symposium became a platform for partnership and dialogue. It underscored the industry’s shared responsibility to balance resource development with environmental care and social progress.
With its strong turnout and wide support, the Caraga Chapter’s inaugural symposium set a precedent. It not only celebrated the profession of mining engineering but also reaffirmed Caraga’s role as a vital contributor to shaping the future of responsible mining in the Philippines.