The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office has successfully completed its 2nd Surveillance Audit for the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS), conducted by SGS Philippines Inc. on April 14–15, 2025. In addition, MGB-Central Office achieved recertification for ISO 9001:2015, awarded by ACS W3 Solutionz Management Consultancy on J...

A metallurgical engineer of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)chaired the recently concluded 9th Philippine Women Engineers and Scientists Summit (PWESS 9) held in Davao City from August 7 to 9, 2025. Engr. Carina de Vera Pecson of the Metallurgical Technology Division (MetD) led this year’s summit with the theme:“Deep Dive: Women Engineers and Sci...

Leading construction company EEI Corporation (EEI) has been awarded the construction of Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 1 in Kawit, Cavite, and Megaworld Corporation’s Arcovia Hotel in Pasig City. This brings the Company’s total project wins in the third quarter of 2025 alone to PHP 19.1 billion, marking a solid turnaround from its recorded pe...

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the spirit of the Local Government Code—promoting meaningful participation of local government units (LGUs) in infrastructure projects that directly impact their constituents—the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to strengthen its partnership with the LGUs of Tangu...

The Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) Caraga Chapter reached a new milestone with the successful conduct of its 1st Caraga Mining Symposium held on August 22–24, 2025 at the Emerald Hall, Hotel Tavern in Surigao City. Carrying the theme “Navigating Towards a Greener Environment, Resilient Mining Communities, and Good Governance,” the three-...

Over the past decade and a half, the Philippine mining industry has experienced a dynamic and often turbulent journey shaped by evolving government policies, environmental activism, shifts in global commodity markets, and new technological and economic priorities.   From 2010 to 2025, the sector has witnessed sweeping regulatory reforms, the rise and f...

In the intensifying global race for critical minerals—crucial components in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy (RE) technologies, advanced electronics, and other strategic industries—the Philippines stands at a pivotal juncture in this global energy transition. With abundant reserves of nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements, the country h...

On July 4, 2025, I sat in a crowded forum in Quezon City as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) hosted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) policy direction. The atmosphere was subdued. No questions, no applause lines. Yet the rollout deserves a closer look, not for its promises, but for what it might enable. Signed in Februar...

In August, I attended the launch of Unilab Education (UniEd), the Unilab Group’s response to a longstanding national challenge: the mismatch between graduates’ skills and the available jobs.    At this event, attended by the Secretary of Education, the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Chair of th...

In our ever-evolving world, the demand for minerals and energy is growing faster than ever. From the smartphones in our pockets to the electricity powering our homes, these natural resources play a vital role in our everyday lives. But finding them—hidden deep underground or beneath the ocean floor—is no easy task.   Fortunately, science and technology...

The Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have formalized a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) aimed at enhancing beneficial ownership transparency in the country’s extractive industries. The ceremonial signing, held at the Department of Finance (DOF), was witnessed by officials fr...

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through its Mining Technology Division (MTD), conducted the first National Mining Enforcement Workshop: “Strengthening Enforcement Against Illegal Mining” on August 12 to 15, 2025, at the Privato Hotel in Quezon City. The workshop gathered MGB regional offices nationwide to boost the bureau’s enforcement capabili...

Digital Transformation at the Core of Philippine Industry  The Philippines is entering a new era of industrial growth. In construction, infrastructure and mining, the leaders will be those who can deploy specialized, ready-to-run technology that delivers results fast. As mega-projects—from mass transport systems and energy facilities to mineral extract...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Vivencio “Vince” Bringas Dizon as the new Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following the resignation of Manuel Bonoan on September 1, 2025. Dizon, 51, is an economist and career technocrat who has held key roles in government over the past two decades. He is best known for his...

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law on September 4 Republic Act (RA) 12253, or the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, a landmark measure designed to give the government and communities a bigger and fairer share of mining revenues. In a ceremony at Malacañan Palace, the President described the new fiscal framework ...

Epiroc Philippines has strengthened its partnership with Quest Exploration Drilling (Philippines) Inc. (QED) through a two-week technical and product training program on remote control systems (RCS) and Diamec rigs. The training was held at QED’s head office in San Pedro, Laguna, from April 21 to May 2, 2025. According to Michael Kevin Doctor, business...

The Philippine metallic mining industry posted double-digit growth in the first half of 2025, powered by record-breaking gold prices that more than offset weaker nickel markets. Data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) showed that the sector’s total value rose 15.1 percent to ₱135.62 billion from ₱117.78 billion a year earlier. The increase of ...

A major milestone in Philippine infrastructure was reached on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) held a ceremonial breakthrough for the southbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), marking the successful connection of its north and south ends. The 2.3-kilometer tunnel, a centerpiece ...

Prime Energy Resources Development (Prime Energy) reaffirmed its commitment to energy security through the Malampaya gas-to-power project, the country’s first and only indigenous natural gas asset. Prime Energy President & CEO, Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, said the project, operated under Service Contract 38 in partnership with PNOC Exploration Corporatio...

PhilChamp (Dadiangas Philippine Champion Industries, Inc.) announced their partnership with United Arab Emirates’ renowned oil company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Distribution, at the ADNOC Meet 2025 last June 26 at Shangri-la the Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The ADNOC Group is the 12th largest oil company in the world by production and has...

Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) recently welcomed the Barangay Local Government Unit of Macalaya, led by Barangay Captain Archelle Ongayo and his council, for a full-day site learning visit at the Silangan Project. The visit was designed to give the barangay officials a firsthand look at the mine’s ongoing development, safety protocols, and ...

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is set to hold a trade mission entitled “Australian Innovation for Sustainable Mining in the Philippines” from 17 to 20 November 2025, with events in Manila and Baguio. According to the Commission, this mission presents a rare opportunity for Philippine mining companies to engage directly with Australian METS ...

Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) marked another milestone on Thursday, August 28, 2025, completing the long-planned tunnel connection to the Exhaust Drive and establishing the project’s full underground ventilation series. The achievement, considered a critical safety and engineering requirement, was reached earlier than expected. Originally ...

Weir has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with MINEXXT Inc. to push forward sustainable solutions in thickened and paste tailings management, a move that underscores the company’s drive to remain a global leader in the field. Under the agreement, Weir will integrate MINEXXT’s patented thickening technology into its global tailings portfolio. ...