Incoming Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna conferred a Special Citation to Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc. (RRMI) and Rapu-Rapu Processing Inc. (RRPI) for completing the Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan (FMR/DP) of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay.
The recognition was presented during the Korea-Philippines Business Forum in Pasay City.
The completion of the FMR/DP demonstrates how the companies restored mined areas to safe, stable and environmentally sound conditions after the end of mining operations, fulfilling obligations to both the environment and local communities.
Accepting the award on behalf of the companies were LX International Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Koo Hyek Seo and Chief Representative of the Manila Office Lee Joon Taek.
Mining operations at Rapu-Rapu were conducted from 2005 to 2013 under permits issued in accordance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. After operations ceased, the companies entered the mine closure phase and implemented the FMR/DP in compliance with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations.
The rehabilitation results were independently verified through a third-party environmental audit and validated by the Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund Steering Committee. This process led to the approval of the Final Rehabilitation Report on July 4, 2025, followed by the issuance of the Certificate of Final Relinquishment on August 20, 2025.
The citation highlights the DENR’s full life-cycle approach to mining governance, demonstrating responsible resource extraction, verified environmental restoration and sustained corporate accountability.
Officials said the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project stands as an example of environmentally sound and socially responsible mine closure.
Meanwhile, outgoing Environment Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla attended the forum to reaffirm support for initiatives promoting Philippine-Korean cooperation in responsible mining, sustainable resource management and strategic partnerships.
The forum was formally opened by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
