Mining Rebound: Policy Shifts, Economic Impact, and the Role of Geotechnical Risk Management in the Philippines 

After a decade of regulatory restrictions, the Philippine mining industry is re-emerging as a key driver of economic growth. Following the suspension of new mining permits under Executive Order (EO) 79 in 2012, the sector experienced significant declines in revenues, exports, and foreign investment. In 2021, EO 130 lifted the moratorium, enabling renewed exploration and development within a framework of responsible mining. 

This article by Patrick Manalansan, Senior Ground Investigation Specialist for RDCL in Manila, reviews the policy shifts that enabled the industry’s revival, explores the resulting economic contributions, and answers the question – how does geotechnical risk management support long-term, sustainable mining operations? 

Mining’s Temporary Decline 

The Philippines holds some of the world’s largest untapped reserves of gold, copper, and nickel. Yet from 2012 to 2017, Executive Order 79 halted new mineral agreements to address environmental and social concerns. While intended to promote sustainable development, the policy inadvertently constrained national and local economies: 

• Export revenues and foreign investment declined significantly. 

• Host provinces experienced reduced revenues, affecting Local Government Units (LGUs). 

• Communities faced job losses and stalled business growth. 

Despite these challenges, the mining industry remained resilient — generating ₱132 billion during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Policy Shifts and the Return of Mining 

In April 2021, EO 130 amended the previous directive, reopening the sector while promoting a framework for Responsible Mining. This policy reversal was influenced by three primary factors: 

1. Economic Recovery Needs 
   Post-pandemic recovery efforts required new sources of government revenue, infrastructure investment, and employment. 

2. Global Commodity Surge 
   A sharp increase in global prices for copper, gold, and nickel positioned the Philippines to benefit from renewed extraction. 

3. Improved ESG and Regulatory Practices 
   Stronger Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks helped rebuild investor confidence and community trust. 

Economic Contributions Post-EO 130 

Following the policy reforms: 

• Annual mining revenues rose to ₱240–270 billion from 2021 to 2023. 

• The sector’s GDP contribution increased to 1.2–1.5% in 2024–2025. 

• Foreign investment surged, especially in critical minerals for renewable energy and electric vehicle supply chains. 

Environmental and Social Safeguards 

The revival of mining is contingent on the industry's ability to meet enhanced environmental and social safeguards: 

• Tailings Management: Implementation of stricter design and monitoring protocols for tailings storage facilities. 

• Slope Stability: Mandatory geotechnical assessments for open-pit slope and wall safety. 

• Community Investment: Mining firms now allocate 5–6% of gross revenues to environmental rehabilitation and social development. 

• Transparency: Oversight from government agencies and multi-stakeholder monitoring groups ensures accountability. 

These initiatives have directly supported infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster preparedness programs in mining host communities (MGB, 2022). So, what is the role of geotechnical assessment in ensuring these safeguards and more sustainable outcomes are achieved, and operations trusted? And how does it benefit the overall project? 

The Critical Role of Geotechnical Risk Assessments in a Successful Mining Environment 

A successful mining operation is not only measured by its resource output, but by its ability to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. At the center of this operational integrity lies geotechnical assessment, which informs every phase of mine development - from exploration to closure. 

1. Ensuring Safety and Preventing Disasters 

Geotechnical assessments are essential in preventing catastrophic events such as pit wall collapses, landslides, and tailings dam failures. These failures pose major threats to workers, nearby communities, and ecosystems. With reliable geotechnical data, engineers can: 

• Identify unstable ground conditions and failure-prone zones. 

• Assess the Factor of Safety for slopes, waste dumps, and tailings dams. 

• Design for natural hazards such as earthquakes, heavy rainfall, and flooding. 

For instance, mines in geologically sensitive zones like Philex Padcal and Silangan have adopted advanced geotechnical modelling to ensure long-term stability. 

2. Optimizing Design and Productivity 

Proper geotechnical analysis also enhances operational efficiency: 

• Stable pit slope design reduces over-excavation and increases ore recovery. 

• Accurate ground modelling prevents costly rework and unplanned halts. 

• In underground mines, it ensures safe tunnel layouts and effective ground support. 

Designs guided by geotechnical data lead to better resource utilization, improved safety margins, and reduced environmental impact. 

3. Strengthening Environmental Compliance 

Mining projects must meet strict environmental regulations, including those under the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) process. Geotechnical assessments support this by: 

• Ensuring the structural integrity of tailings storage facilities (TSFs). 

• Preventing seepage, erosion, and hazardous runoff. 

• Supporting landform designs for post-mining rehabilitation. 

With climate change increasing the intensity of weather events, the stability of dams, slopes, and waste dumps has never been more critical. 

4. Earning Community Trust and Social License 

Transparent geotechnical practices contribute to community confidence. By publishing risk mitigation strategies and engaging in third-party monitoring, companies show commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.  

This is key to maintaining the social license to operate, especially in sensitive or ancestral domains. 

5. Supporting the Full Mine Lifecycle 

Geotechnical work is not a one-off task. It must be integrated across all mining phases: 

• Exploration: Terrain analysis, core drilling, and geophysical mapping. 

• Development: Real-time monitoring, slope deformation tracking, and sensor installation. 

• Closure and Rehabilitation: Designing safe post-mining landscapes and managing long-term ground stability. 

Case in Point: RDCL’s Technical Leadership 

Local firms like RDCL have been instrumental in professionalizing geotechnical services in the Philippines. RDCL has: 

• Delivered high-resolution geophysical mapping for complex geotechnical conditions. 

• Designed slope stability models for deep open-pit operations. 

• Conducted third-party geotechnical reviews of tailings dams in line with Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). 

Working with leading firms such as Filminera-MGP, OceanaGold, Philex, and Silangan Mindanao Mining, RDCL continues to shape a technically sound and environmentally responsible future for Philippine mining. 

 

Conclusion – Modern Risk Management Starts with Meaningful Partnerships 

Mining’s resurgence in the Philippines reflects a careful balance of economic revitalization, regulatory reform, and rising global demand for minerals. Yet its long-term viability depends on consistent adherence to environmental, social, and technical standards. Among these, geotechnical risk management stands out as a foundational element - enabling safer designs, more resilient infrastructure, and stronger community relations. 

By securing an experienced geotechnical partner that works in partnership for the future of the land, mining ventures can operate with the intelligence, care and transparency needed to help answer the call of the communities they serve, and be positioned for safe and enduring land restorations for the future. 

For more information contact RDCL at rdcl.asia.  

Patrick Manalansan is a Senior Ground Investigation Specialist for RDCL in Manila. He has worked on many memorable geotechnical projects throughout the Philippines. Driven by his passion for Geotech, he continues to make a positive impact on the community. 

 

References 

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