Philippine Mining Club presented a special forum and business luncheon on September 25, 2026, with the theme “Managing Mine Life Cycles: Best Practices in Progressive Rehabilitation, Post-Mining Transitions, and Responsible Closure Frameworks.”
Mining industry experts discussed innovative technologies and solutions for efficient, safe, and responsible mining. The other half of the forum featured speakers who highlighted sustainable and responsible mine closure.
The forum featured the following speakers: Clive McKeown (Asia-Pacific Sales Manager, Kleemann GmbH), Jon Rutter (Business Development Manager, Mining and Processing, Thermo Fisher Scientific), Russell Asio (Sales Engineer, Allied eParts), Luke Bowden (Country Manager, FCF Minerals Corporation);
EnP. Jesalyn Guingguing (Director for Tenement Management, Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc.) and Theodorico L. Marquez, Jr. (OIC, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, Mines and Geosciences Bureau).
The event’s moderator was Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson, President of Philippine Mining and Exploration Association.
Kleemann GmbH on Smart Technology
Clive McKeown, Asia-Pacific Sales Manager of Kleemann GmbH presented "Mobile Crushing Smart Crushing Technology: Spective & WPT Crushing".
Mr. McKeown has over 30 years of experience in material processing in the industry. He has been instrumental in developing sales channels and finding sales opportunities in Asia.
Kleemann’s notable history spans for more than 150 years. In Asia-Pacific, the company specialize in remote monitoring, management of machinery to improve efficiency, and management of material processing equipment.
Kleemann GmbH focuses on smart technology and remote management of machinery. The company manufactures equipment for material processing, including crushers.
Mr. McKeown explained that machines can be monitored and controlled remotely, providing real-time data and performance tracking. The system allows for remote troubleshooting and maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency. The technology supports performance tracking and reporting, aiding in decision-making.
Kleemann GmbH's equipment integrates with systems like John Deere for enhanced functionality.
The company offers solutions for various industries, focusing on efficiency and productivity. Remote access to machinery data allows for proactive management and maintenance. The system provides insights into machine performance, helping optimize operations.
The technology also supports global monitoring and management of equipment.
Overall, the company aims to improve machinery performance and reduce downtime through advanced technology. Remote monitoring allows for timely interventions and adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
Rutter on Process Analysers
Mr. Jon Rutter, Business Development Manager, Mining and Processing of Thermo Fisher Scientific presented "Process Analysers & Bulk Ore Sorting - A Strategic Advantage.
Mr. Rutter has experience with both public and private mining sectors, with more than 25 years in the mining industry.
“ThermoFisher Scientific is the world leader in serving science,” he said.
Mr. Rutter’s lecture underscored the innovative mining technologies to enhance resource optimization and value creation.
Applicable on large-scale open-pit and underground mining operations, ThermoFisher Scientific’s expertise areas include mine geology, resource development, and mine optimization, with emphasis on ore sorting and processing technologies.
He highlighted economic generation and mineralized waste planning, plus an emphasis on the importance of quality and accountability in mining operations.
The speaker references past work with Glencore as Principal Geologist and Business Development.
He discussed technology's role in predicting and creating value in a mine operation, such as the use of advanced analyzers for measuring elements. Neutron and x-ray technologies are used for energy level analysis.
The speaker also discussed the potential of modular mining systems, and real-time element measurement for improving mining efficiency.
He also highlighted the economic benefits of processing mineralized waste. New technologies may now allow and deliver more efficient material processing.
Asio on mine closure
Mr. Russell Asio, Sales Engineer of Allied eParts presented "Powering Responsible Mine Closure -
From Diesel to Hybrid: The integration of renewable energy to traditional diesel generators
Cutting fuel cost and carbon across the mine life cycle.”
Mr. Asio has a background in chemical engineering and renewable energy solutions.
Allied eParts supplies and distributes Victron Energy's electrical power products throughout Asia, serving markets like Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea.
Through Allied eParts, customers can source Victron Energy's core lineup, including inverters and sine chargers/inverters, battery chargers and DC/DC converters, etc.
Victron Energy is a Dutch company specialized in the design and manufacture of products for battery-based energy systems. Since 1975, Victron Energy has evolved into an international enterprise with nearly 1,000 different products sold worldwide. In the off-grid sector, they offer reliable and innovative solutions from solar home systems to mini-grids.
In the Philippines, Allied eParts offers hybrid power solutions for more efficient mining and post-mining operations.
Asio pointed out that rising oil prices have impacted the industry, necessitating alternative energy solutions. Hybrid energy solutions are being explored to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Diesel generators are often used inefficiently, running at low capacity. Hybrid systems can integrate solar panels and batteries to optimize energy use. The mining industry can benefit from reduced fuel reliance and maintenance costs.
He noted that remote and mountainous regions face unique energy challenges that hybrid solutions can address. Hybrid systems can lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
Additionally, scalable energy solutions are available for various industrial applications, including construction sites. The goal is to support the mining industry in the Philippines towards sustainable practices. The company offers solutions to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy practices.
In general, Allied eParts promotes sustainable mining practices through renewable energy solutions and the importance of reducing fuel reliance for environmental benefits.
Bowden's Advice to PH Mining Industry
Mr. Luke Bowden, Country Manager of FCF Minerals Corporation, discussed the relevance of revitalizing the mining industry through strategic confidence building.
The speaker has 25 years of mining experience, which includes managing large projects and regulatory work in Australia. The last three years are spent working in the Philippines where he noticed the industry is misunderstood in this country. It is an issue he wanted all to think about as it affects the entry of investments in the country.
Mr. Bowden has experience in projects focused on growth, development and mine closure, as well as working with exploration teams and on rehabilitation projects.
He emphasized the importance of addressing global relevance in the mining industry and believes confidence and investment are key to revitalizing the mining industry.
“I just want to share with you something that I read the other day on a Facebook post. It was just a simple question. And I think it is very important for everyone in the room to understand.”
“And the question is this... What is it in the mining industry in the Philippines that is so misunderstood especially considering its global relevance?”
He said, “Think about that because it affects all of us. It is quite profound... and there is no easy answer to that question, but I think as an industry, we certainly need solutions to that question.”
“We have to be brave and honest and come up with a multi-faceted approach to address that perception that there is a misunderstanding of what we do, especially because of its global relevance.”
“So I think if we can answer that question, put strategies and plans into place and address that specifically, we will go a long way and put confidence back to the mining industry.”
“If we have confidence, investment will follow. And with investment we get development, we get growth, and we will be able to revitalize this industry and get out of the stagnation.”
Marquez on regulatory perspective
Theodorico L. Marquez, Jr., OIC, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) presented "Mine Closure Regulatory Perspective in Philippines".
On a regulatory point of view, “Mine closure begins before mining starts.”
In a mine project, the Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan is a core strategic plan required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and related orders like DENR Administrative Order No. 2005-07.
Marquez outlines the steps:
Plan - Closure commitments are established through the FMR/DP and translated into work plans, budgets and measurable activities.
Execute - Rehabilitation must address the actual closure risks: physical stability, chemical stability, ecosystem restoration and decommissioning.
Verify - MMT monitoring, CLRFSC/MRFC review, field validation and where require, third-party environmental audit provide layers of evidence.
Transition - Closure does not end with earthworks. Land use, community readiness, maintenance must be carried forward.
Mr. Marquez enumerates the “Three pillars of responsible closure”, namely:
1. Plan Early - FMR/DP
2. Rehabilitate + Fund - Progressive rehabilitation reduces residual disturbance; financial assurance backs final closure commitments.
3. Govern with Stakeholders - MGB oversight, MRFC/MMT mechanisms, LGUs and communities support transparency and accountability
Some key points he offered are:
-- Mine closure is not a single event. It is a governance continuum.
-- A successful mine is measured not only by what it produces, but what it leaves behind. This means that beyond mine closure, the mining company needs to ensure a sustainable legacy that highlights long-term environmental and community outcomes.
-- Mine with the next life of the land in mind. Mine with the end in mind.
In closing, Marquez emphasized that mine closure does not necessarily mean the end of a site's usefulness. Rehabilitation, monitoring, and future land use may continue long after mining operations stop.
Responsible closure is not the end of the mining lifecycle. It is the successful completion of that lifecycle.
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Photo credit: Marcelle P. Villegas
