Runruno-based FCF Minerals Corp. conducted a two-day benchmarking visit to a nickel mining operation in Palawan as part of preparations for the implementation of its Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) next year.
The visit, held on May 19 and 20, brought together representatives from the company, key stakeholders and officials from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 2 (MGB-R2) to study mine closure and rehabilitation practices at Berong Nickel Corporation in Quezon, Palawan.
The delegation included officials from Barangay Runruno led by village chief John Babli-ing, representatives from the municipal government of Quezon headed by Mayor Anabelle Mae Binwag, and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Edgardo Sabado of Nueva Vizcaya.
FCF said the benchmarking activity was intended to provide stakeholders with a deeper understanding of mine rehabilitation and closure processes ahead of the company's planned FMRDP implementation in 2027.
The group was welcomed by Berong Nickel management and staff led by Safety and Health Superintendent Rolando Sajot and Environment Department Head Jaypee Dela Cruz.
During the visit, Berong Nickel shared its experiences and best practices in occupational safety and health, environmental management and community development. Company officials also presented details of their ongoing FMRDP implementation, including challenges encountered and measures adopted to address them.
The discussions were complemented by an onsite visit to the mine area, where participants were given the opportunity to observe rehabilitation activities and seek clarification on various aspects of mine closure planning.
The delegation also met with Quezon, Palawan Mayor Lily Torrico and members of the Barangay Berong Council, who shared their perspectives on local governance and the role of communities in mine rehabilitation and transition planning.
Berong Nickel, which operates under DMCI Mining Corporation, is currently in its fourth year of FMRDP implementation. Rehabilitation activities are targeted for completion and turnover of the site to the Quezon local government by 2028.
FCF, MGB-R2 and participating stakeholders expressed appreciation to Berong Nickel and the Quezon municipal government for hosting the benchmarking activity and sharing lessons learned, which the company said would help strengthen its own mine closure and rehabilitation preparations.
