The Philippine Mining Exploration Association (PMEA) convened for its Monthly Membership Meeting on October 5, 2026, bringing together the association members, stakeholders and industry leaders to discuss the relevant issues that are shaping the course of the Philippine mineral sector.
Highlighting the evening’s agenda was a comprehensive and informative keynote presentation by PMEA’s President, Mr. Joey Nelson R. Ayson.
PMEA MATTERS
For Members Update, as of September 30, 2026, PMEA has 15 regular, 61 associate, 23 individual and 15 honorary.
Mr. Ayson announced the upcoming 9th PMEA Forum, happening on November 17, 2026 at Baguio Country Club. The speakers for the forum are from Austhai Geophysical, Metso, Yokogawa, Republic Cement, and GHD.
DENR / MGB UPDATES
DENR / MGB Staff
- Reconstitution of Regional Panel of Arbitrators MGB RO 5 (SO 2026-624 dated Sept. 09, 2026)- Atty Dianne Bisonia (Chair); Atty Joy Balisbis & Engr Emar Basilan (Members)
- New MGB 5 OIC Regional Director – Atty Brenice Ann Gendeve-Castillo (DENR SO 2026-681; Sept. 17, 2026)
PROPOSED LAWS
- DAO 2026-XX. Establishing The Philippine Critical Minerals List And Providing Guidelines For Its Assessment, Administration, Periodic Review, And Updating.
-- Au (+ associated Ag), Cu (+ associated Mo), Ni (+ associated Co, Sc), Fe, Cr, limestone and silica
-- Certificate of Critical Mineral Project Designation to be issued (apply w/ BOI)
- DAO 2026-YY. Use it or Lose It
-- Material non-compliance with project timelines, work plans, or development commitment
- DAO 2026-ZZ. Competitive Selection Process
- JAO 2026-001 - Providing For The Framework For The Evaluation And Award Of Contracts And Agreements Involving Confirmed Resources (National Interest Evaluation Framework)
-- Signed on September 28, 2026, by Sec. Cuna and Sec. Garin
-- Involves coal and minerals (excludes oil and gas)
COMPANY NEWS
- Makilala Mining / Celsius Resources
-- Celsius contesting the public auction of its 40% share in Makilala
-- NBI now involved
- FCF Minerals (Runruno) / Metals Exploration
-- Closure of Runruno mine in December 2026
-- FPIC related activities ongoing in Abra Project
-- Corporate negotiations ongoing at Batong Buhay Project
- Sagittarius Mines/Tampakan
-- Target start of commercial operations in 2-3 years
-- Ausenco preparing an Execution Readiness Plan for the process plant
- Oceana Gold Philippines Inc.(Didipio Mine)
-- CEO to retire in April 2027- New exploration manager for the Philippnes
-- Withdrawal from Manhulayan exploration project
- TVIRD Balabag
-- September 2026 production: 464 kg dore (approx. 1,000 oz Au equivalent)
-- Drilling at Phase 15 A Lalab ongoing with 8 rigs on site
-- Discoveries at Tinago area reported
- TVIRD Greenstone (Siana)
-- Produced 3,130 oz Au and 1,200 oz Ag from 138kg dore in September 2026
-- New jaw crusher now operational and vibrating screen upgraded
-- Second Falcon Concentrator and Oxygen Generator to arrive this October
- TVIRD Mabilo -- Ongoing drilling to upgrade resource from indicated to measured
- TVIRD Kingking -- Resource confirmation and geotechnical drilling, ongoing BFS
- Pan de Azucar -- MPSA renewal being progressed
- Nickel Asia Corporation - Acquisition of 20% membership interest in East Copper Production (Kazakstan) completed (US$ 30M)
- Philex Mining Corporation / Silangan Mindanao
-- Targeting October 2026 on first gold pour at Silangan
-- Notice of strike filed by NAMAWU – rejecting revised offer in the CBA
OTHER NEWS / CONCERNS INDUSTRY UPDATES:
OECD Recommendations
-- Philippines to consider expenditure-based incentive program to attract investments in mining
-- Accelerated depreciation regime – improves early cash flow & reduces taxable income during the early years
-- Current income-based tax incentives have not been effective (new fiscal regime & SIPP)
- Marcopper Settlement (US$100M)
-- US$50M deposited in escrow in April 2025 after agreement with province signed
-- CA approved agreement on October 3, 2025- DENR Communication issued on October 2, 2026 (one of the remaining conditions)
UPCOMING EVENTS
- November 17-20, 2026 – 72nd ANMSEC, Baguio City
- November 27, 2026 – PMRC 439 Project Execution Methodologies
- December 1-2, 2026 – Geocon 2026, Davao City
- December 07, 2026 – PMEA Christmas Party
