The future looks bright for the Silangan Project as Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Eulalio B. Austin Jr. once again visited the development site to personally assess its progress and ensure that operations remain on track for commissioning in early 2026.
Accompanied by key management members, technical experts, and executives from Philex Mining Corp., Engr. Austin’s site visit reaffirmed SMMCI’s commitment to hands-on leadership and transparency in project delivery. The visit covered the project’s critical components, including underground mine development, the nearly completed Tailings Storage Facility in Sison, and the construction of the Processing Plant—soon to become one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Silangan Project.
Once operational, the plant will produce copper cathodes and gold doré, signalling what the company calls “a new chapter for both the company and the Philippine minerals industry.”
Engr. Austin, known for his immersive approach to management, underscored the importance of engagement and collaboration at every level of the organisation.
“Leadership is not just about oversight—it’s about being present, understanding challenges firsthand, and working alongside the people who make progress possible,” he said during the visit.
SMMCI said that the Silangan Project has now reached “critical momentum,” with visible progress across all major fronts. Each milestone, the company noted, represents years of planning, coordination, and teamwork between departments and contractors on the ground.
Beyond construction and infrastructure, the project also highlights the value of its partnerships with local communities. Residents within the project area have been key collaborators, supporting development activities while benefiting from livelihood programs and community-driven initiatives established by the company.
“The Silangan Project is more than an investment—it’s a shared vision for growth and sustainability,” SMMCI said in a statement. “Our story is deeply tied to the lives of the people who stand with us as we move closer to completion.”
The upcoming commissioning of the Silangan Processing Plant marks a defining milestone in the project’s timeline. Built on “vision, perseverance, and collaboration,” the facility is expected to stimulate local economic activity, generate employment, and contribute to national development through responsible resource utilisation.
“There is no slowing down for Silangan’s development,” the company said. “With determination guiding every milestone—and with the support of our people, partners, and stakeholders—the project continues to advance toward a future where progress and sustainability thrive together.”
As the company put it: “To Silangan, to our partners, our people, our environment, and our nation—may our shared efforts, unity, and hope continue to pave the way for a progressive future.”
