By Cam Wylie, Director, RDCL
With commodity prices holding strong and gold reaching record highs, the Philippine mining sector is once again in the spotlight. These market conditions present a rare opportunity to push mining and exploration projects forward with renewed confidence.
In this environment, strong cash flows and investor interest mean one thing: it’s time to build. But while momentum is essential, so is discipline.
At RDCL, as Geotechnical Experts (www.rdcl.co.nz), we believe success comes from striking the right balance of moving fast and managing Geotechnical risk intelligently.
Geotechnical Risks: Act Early, Avoid Delays
As companies ramp up exploration and development, there’s growing interest in restarting or expanding existing brownfield sites. These projects often involve complex ground conditions, historical infrastructure like tailings dams, and partially mined pits or underground workings. Each brings inherent geotechnical challenges that, if overlooked, can delay progress or drive up costs.
Early geotechnical assessment is essential. It allows you to make smarter decisions, reduce uncertainty, and avoid costly redesigns later in the project lifecycle.
At RDCL, we encourage mining proponents to invest in this work early when it's still possible to influence the project’s direction and avoid major rework.
Due Diligence That Delivers
A well-structured approach to early-stage risk review doesn’t need to slow you down.
Our experienced team can rapidly assess Critical Risks and Opportunities using proven tools and processes. We help clients understand key threats and make realistic allowances for mitigation; delivering timely, actionable insights that align with tight project schedules.
This isn’t just theory, we have the in-country capability to execute. RDCL operates advanced geotechnical testing systems across the Philippines, delivering to international standards with speed, accuracy, and quality.
Methods for early intervention (such as Potential Failure Mode Analyses (PFMA) which we've written about here) offer a rigorous, transparent and defensible process to get quickly to the core of complex geotechnical problems, track mitigations and effectivity outcomes from the outset as discussed in previous articles (see link).
Over 30 Years of Local Experience
Supporting mining in the Philippines since 1994, RDCL’s team has deep roots in the industry, even before the company’s official formation in 2006. From early involvement at Didipio Mine under Climax-Arimco, to our more recent work supporting feasibility and development at Didipio and Runruno.
Since 2007, we’ve delivered site investigations and feasibility-stage work for copper and gold deposits across Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. Our field services cover CPT, surface and downhole geophysics, and televiewer surveys. Key projects include testing at Philex TSF, Sienna, Masbate, and others.
What sets us apart is continuity. Many of our engineers and field leads have been with RDCL for well over a decade. They bring unmatched site familiarity and long-term client knowledge, making us a stable partner in a sector that often experiences high turnover and shifting teams.
We're proud to confirm our current role providing surface geotechnical investigation services for the Makilala Project a reflection of our commitment to helping clients manage complexity as they advance their projects.
Strong Local Presence, International Backing
RDCL maintains an office and workshop/laydown facility in Manila, equipped with advanced testing systems and staffed by experienced local professionals. Our New Zealand-based technical team supports and oversees project delivery, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
Together, we offer a unique blend of local responsiveness and international quality, exactly what’s needed to navigate today’s fast-paced project environment.
Final Word: Make the Most of the Moment
Market windows like this don’t last forever. For Philippine mining companies, the challenge is to grow wisely through informed decisions and disciplined execution.
At RDCL, we help clients move quickly while managing the ground risk that can derail a project. We work as a trusted partner, embedding with your team and tailoring our services to your needs, whether you're at the feasibility stage, drilling, or preparing to build.
Let’s talk. The time to act is now—and RDCL is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact us today. info@rdcl.asia
Cam Wylie, Director, RDCL
Cam Wylie is the Managing Director, CEO & Principal Engineer at RDCL Limited. With 30 years in the industry, Cam is a Chartered Professional Engineer working on major projects in the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His expertise includes Geotechnical Engineering for Mines, Dams, Roads and Infrastructure.
