Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI) marked a major milestone in October 2025 as it renewed its Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) partnership agreement with the tribal communities under CADT-237, reaffirming a 25-year bond built on respect, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Now in its Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Phase (FMRDP), Agata remains committed to the Mamanwa and Manobo tribes, demonstrating that its principles of responsible mining extend far beyond extraction and operations.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, was attended by tribal leaders, community elders, and company representatives. What began as a formal gathering turned into a festive celebration reminiscent of a “Fiesta sa Nayon,” as tribal children serenaded guests and signees—filling the venue with music, laughter, and cultural pride.
A Celebration of Trust and Continuity
The signed MOA represents the first renewal of the FPIC partnership between Agata and the CADT-237 Indigenous Peoples (IPs), symbolizing continuity in dialogue and mutual respect. The agreement is seen as a cornerstone for maintaining cooperation and ensuring the welfare of the IP communities.
“The event was truly heartfelt for all of us—full of festivity, songs, and dances. It was a one-of-a-kind FPIC MOA signing,” said Jesalyn Guingguing, Concurrent TVIRD Director for Tenement and Environment and Agata FMRDP General Manager. “The MOA signing not only symbolizes the Indigenous Peoples’ Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) to Agata for the second time, but also reflects the solid friendship that has been built over time between Agata and the Mamanwa community, whose lives have been meaningfully touched by the project. This agreement further solidifies our bond and renews the promise of a long-lasting partnership towards achieving sustainability.”
The renewed partnership reinforces Agata’s commitment to ethical and legal standards in dealing with Indigenous Peoples, as well as its deep respect for cultural heritage and traditional practices.
Empowering Communities Beyond the Mine
Under the renewed FPIC agreement, Agata Mining Ventures pledged continued support for livelihood initiatives that empower the Mamanwa and Manobo tribes. These programs aim to help tribal members develop resource-based enterprises that encourage economic independence and long-term self-sufficiency.
Agata’s Mabakas Techno Demo Farm will also serve as a marketplace for produce from Indigenous communities, creating a sustainable value chain that supports local livelihoods while promoting agricultural innovation.
Additionally, Agata committed to maintaining at least 10 percent of its workforce from among the Mamanwa and Manobo tribes, ensuring sustained employment opportunities even as the mine enters its rehabilitation phase.
Education remains a central pillar of Agata’s community development efforts. The company will continue to provide educational assistance and scholarships to qualified Indigenous students pursuing mining-related courses across universities in the region. This initiative reflects Agata’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of professionals who will advance responsible mining and contribute to their communities’ growth.
A Legacy of Responsible Partnership
As Agata transitions into mine closure and rehabilitation, the company continues to demonstrate that responsible mining does not end with extraction—it extends to nurturing relationships, protecting the environment, and empowering the people who call the land home.
With the renewed FPIC agreement, Agata Mining Ventures and the Indigenous communities of CADT-237 stand as partners in building a sustainable, inclusive future—one that honours both tradition and progress.
