Five Decades of Partnership and What Comes Next
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Orica is one of the world’s leading providers of mining and infrastructure solutions. From manufacturing explosives and blasting systems to supplying specialty chemicals, geotechnical monitoring tools, and advanced digital technologies, the company supports the sustainable mobilization of the earth’s resources.
Philippine Resources Journal presents this exclusive interview with Gulshan Sadhwani, Orica’s newly appointed Area Business Manager for Philippines, who shares his insights on the company’s role and future in the Philippines.
PRJ: As the newly appointed area business manager, what is your perspective on the current state and future prospects of the Philippine mining industry?
GS: The Philippines is one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries, ranking fifth globally in mineral endowment with significant deposits of copper, gold and nickel. The outlook is very strong, driven by global demand—particularly for copper and nickel, which are critical to the clean energy transition.
The government’s focus on responsible mining, increased investment and positioning the sector as a pillar of economic growth is creating a supportive environment. We’re also seeing a healthy pipeline of exploration projects, both greenfield and brownfield, expected to come online in the coming years.
Overall, the industry is on a growth trajectory. With the right balance of sustainability, innovation and operational excellence, the Philippines can become a major contributor to both the national economy and the global minerals supply chain.
PRJ: What are the primary challenges facing the sector, and how is Orica positioned to help address them?
GS: The Philippine mining sector operates in one of the most complex environments in the world. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country faces frequent earthquakes, typhoons and volcanic activity. As an archipelago, logistics can also be challenging, with mines often in remote areas accessible only through difficult terrain. These conditions raise costs, lengthen lead times and increase safety risks.
At Orica, we address these challenges through resilient infrastructure and advanced technology. We have multiple strategically located facilities and distribution points near key mining operations, ensuring reliable supply even during disruptions. We complement this with digital and advanced blasting solutions such as Orica Digital Solutions, underground bulk systems and wireless blasting. These technologies improve efficiency, precision and fragmentation, while reducing environmental impact.
Our innovations help customers:
- Optimize productivity by reducing downtime.
- Improve flexibility by converting WebGen™-loaded blasts into haul roads.
- Enhance safety and strengthen community relations.
- Lower costs through more efficient use of explosives and reduced rework.
Gulshan Sadhwani, Area Business Manager for Philippines, Orica
PRJ: Orica has been operating in the Philippines for more than five decades. What have been some of the company’s key contributions to the industry?
GS: Orica’s journey began in 1968 with the establishment of Philippines Explosives Corp., later rebranded as Orica Philippines in 1998. For over 50 years, we’ve partnered with the mining industry, bringing global expertise and local commitment. Our contributions stand out in five areas:
- Safety and sustainability: From pioneering next-generation bulk products and electronic blasting systems to delivering the country’s first wireless blast, we’ve consistently raised safety standards. Our Limay plant also leads in waste and energy efficiency, aligned with Orica’s net-zero goals.
- Technological innovation: Through advanced explosives, underground solutions and platforms such as BlastIQ™, we’ve helped customers improve productivity, manage costs and reduce environmental impact.
- People and communities: We invest in Filipino talent through scholarships and graduate programs and are proud to see more diversity in leadership across our teams.
- Local presence with global expertise: With a strong footprint nationwide and the backing of Orica’s global network, we ensure reliable supply and tailored solutions for local mines.
- Global Business Services: Since 2015, our Manila-based team has supported global operations in finance, IT, supply chain and human resources.
In short, Orica has been more than a supplier; we’ve been a trusted partner in shaping a safer, more innovative and sustainable mining industry in the Philippines.
PRJ: Digital innovation is transforming mining worldwide. How is Orica leveraging digital solutions and technology in the Philippines?
GS: Digital innovation is reshaping mining, and Orica is bringing that transformation to the Philippines through an integrated digital ecosystem across three key verticals: Orebody Intelligence, Blast Design and Execution (BDE), and Geosolutions.
- Orebody Intelligence provides real-time, high-resolution subsurface data that improves ore modeling, reduces dilution and guides better drilling and blasting decisions—critical in the Philippines’ complex geology.
- BDE digitizes the entire blast workflow: BlastIQ™ for design and control, FRAGTrack™ for real-time fragmentation feedback, and OREPro™3D and IES for predicting downstream performance and optimizing throughput.
- Geosolutions combines technologies such as GroundProbe radar, 3vG satellite monitoring, Measurand, NavStar, RST and Syscom to give mines the visibility needed to manage slope stability, tailings dams and seismic risks.
Combined with our 50-plus years of local presence and national supply footprint, these tools make Philippine operations safer, smarter and more productive. That blend of global technology and local execution is why leading mines in the country rely on Orica as a long-term partner.
PRJ: Sustainability is a critical focus in mining. What initiatives is Orica currently undertaking in the Philippines?
GS: Sustainability is at the heart of Orica’s global strategy. We’ve already cut our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 40% since 2019, are targeting a 45% reduction by 2030 and are exploring a landmark green hydrogen opportunity in Australia to accelerate decarbonization for ourselves and our customers.
In the Philippines, we’re translating this ambition into action. At Didipio, we celebrated Environment Month with community cleanups, a “Green Runway Show” using recycled blasting materials and tree planting in rehabilitation zones. At our Limay facility in Bataan, we partnered with PNOC and local communities on coastal cleanups to protect vital ecosystems.
We’re also introducing sustainable technologies such as Cyclo™, which replaces diesel with recycled waste oil in explosives manufacturing—reducing emissions and supporting a circular economy. Bringing this innovation to the Philippines will deliver tangible environmental benefits for both customers and communities.
In short, Orica is combining global innovation with local action to help shape a more sustainable future for the Philippine mining industry.
PRJ: How does Orica engage with communities and stakeholders to promote responsible mining and shared value?
GS: Community partnership is central to responsible mining. In the Philippines, this means going beyond operations to invest in education, livelihoods and essential services.
In Limay, alongside our plant expansion, we’ve supported local police, firefighters, hospitals and schools, while providing care packages to families during the pandemic. Education is a particular focus. Our team recently completed the first of two school improvement projects at Carbon Elementary School in collaboration with the district education board. Education is at the heart of our community investment.
These efforts reflect our belief that “we grow when our communities thrive.” By aligning our business success with community well-being, we’re ensuring Orica’s growth leaves a lasting positive impact.
PRJ: Workforce development is vital to mining’s success. How is Orica investing in local talent and skills in the Philippines?
GS: With more than 50 years in the country, Orica is deeply committed to developing local talent and building an inclusive workforce.
Our Women in Operations (WIO) program is an Orica Asia initiative that promotes gender diversity in mining operations. At our Limay plant, we launched WIO last year, marking a major step toward building an inclusive culture, which is a key pillar of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy.
We also partner with the University of the Philippines College of Engineering to provide scholarships for aspiring engineers—an investment in the next generation of talent that will shape both the local and global mining sectors.
At Orica, we believe people are our greatest strength. By empowering them, we secure the future of mining.
PRJ: Safety is paramount in mining. How does Orica maintain a strong safety culture?
GS: At Orica, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a core value. Our global approach rests on three pillars: a focus on major hazards and critical controls, simple and standardized safety processes, and visible leadership. These are embedded in our SHES management standards, ensuring consistency across all sites.
In Asia, including the Philippines, we recently rolled out our NextGen Safety Leadership program to build trust, encourage people to speak up and train leaders to identify risks early. We also use digital tools that give frontline teams real-time access to risk assessments and procedures, making safety practices faster and more consistent.
In the Philippines, this comes to life at our Limay plant and customer sites through strict safety controls, regular audits and close collaboration with partners. We also extend safety to well-being through our global Mental Health Strategy, recognizing that physical and psychological safety go hand in hand.
Our goal is simple: a fatality-free workplace where everyone goes home safe, every day.
PRJ: Orica operates globally across many markets. How does the Philippines fit into its Asia-Pacific strategy?
GS: Orica operates in more than 100 countries with a clear strategy to deliver solutions and technologies that help customers tackle increasingly complex mining challenges. Asia is a critical growth region, with infrastructure and mining activity driving progress across many markets.
Within this, the Philippines plays a particularly important role. The country is the world’s fifth most mineral-rich nation, and with its strong mining outlook, we are excited about the opportunities ahead.
Our Limay plant is at the center of this strategy—not only supporting domestic customers but also supplying products and technology to Asia, Africa and Australia. The Philippines is therefore central to both our regional and global supply chains.
PRJ: Looking ahead, what are Orica’s priorities for the Philippines?
GS: Our strategic plan focuses on five priorities:
- Modernization and digital transformation - Mines are seeking smarter, data-driven ways to operate, and we will bring digital and real-time monitoring solutions to support this shift.
- Sustainability and responsible mining - Tailings management and decarbonization are increasingly critical, and Orica is positioned to support customers with low-carbon, efficient blasting solutions.
- Underground mining - With more mines moving underground, we are ready with specialized products and services that make operations safer and more productive.
- People capability - Our success depends on developing Filipino talent and ensuring our workforce has the skills to deliver for customers into the future.
- Growth through new projects - As new mines emerge, we see opportunities to deepen our presence and expand our role in the country’s mining growth story.
By aligning these priorities with Orica’s global innovation and supply strength, the Philippines will remain central to both our regional and global strategy.
For more information, visit www.orica.com.
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Additional reporting by: James Konstantin Galvez
Acknowledgment: Thank you to Ms. Mayang Pohan and Ms. Arra Caparas for facilitating this interview.
