SILANGAN Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. (SMMCI) is nearing a key milestone as its flagship project moves closer to commissioning and first metal production, with top executives conducting on-site inspections to ensure operational readiness.
Company President and CEO Engr. Eulalio B. Austin Jr., along with members of the management committee of Philex Mining Corp., recently led a technical audit of the project’s process plant, a critical component in Silangan’s transition from construction to production.
Austin was joined by Victor A. Francisco, vice president for corporate environment and community relations, and Francis Joseph G. Ballesteros Jr., head of corporate affairs and communications. The inspection focused on evaluating progress, engineering integrity and system readiness ahead of commissioning targeted by the end of March.
Beyond the process plant, Austin also visited other key facilities, including the pipeline to the tailings storage facility (TSF), the TSF area, and the +95 level of underground operations. These components form part of an integrated system essential to supporting the start of operations.
The audit forms part of regular on-ground reviews aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards, engineering specifications and project timelines. Company officials said the inspections provide leadership with direct visibility of progress while enabling closer coordination with technical teams.
As commissioning approaches, activity across the site has intensified, with final inspections, system validations and completion works ongoing in various operational areas.
Austin emphasized that commissioning is not merely about meeting deadlines but ensuring that all systems, from pipelines to processing circuits, perform as designed to support long-term operations.
The visit also underscored the company’s focus on maintaining technical excellence as it transitions from development to production. Officials said leadership presence on-site reinforces accountability and alignment across all levels of the organization.
Once commissioned, the process plant will mark a significant step for SMMCI, representing years of planning and execution as the company advances to the next phase of its operations.
