SITE PROFILE The Masbate Gold Project (MGP) is a joint operation of Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) and Phil Gold Processing and Refining Corporation (PGPRC). FRC owns, manages, and operates the entire Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) awarded by the government, while PGPRC owns and operates the gold processing plant and is responsible...

Precision drilling and operational discipline are essential at the low-grade, high-tonnage Masbate Gold Project, one of the largest operating surface mines in the Philippines.  Every meter matters at the Masbate Gold Project. Located on a remote island 350 kilometers southeast of Manila, the mine has built a reputation for delivering gold safely, susta...

Minerals, Data, and a New Kind of Resource Wealth  By Fernando Penarroyo  The Philippines has long been recognized as one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries. With deposits of nickel, copper, and gold, it plays a vital role in global supply chains, especially at a time when electric cars, batteries, and renewable energy systems are driving de...

The Philippines has long been known as one of the world’s most mineralized countries, but continues to grapple with unlocking its full mining potential. For decades, red tape, policy uncertainty, and public distrust have kept investors away, even as the country sat atop the proverbial pot of gold.   However, this year’s leap in the 2024 Fraser Institut...

Philex Mining Corp. said its much-anticipated Silangan Copper and Gold Project in Surigao del Norte is entering the final stretch of development, with first metal production expected in the first quarter of 2026. In a project update, the company reported that mine development has been progressing rapidly, particularly at Level 95 (L95), where productio...

The Philippines and Sweden have agreed to deepen cooperation in sustainable mining and critical minerals development, aligning the country’s push for responsible resource management with Sweden’s expertise in green technology and circular economy practices. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led by Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotil...

TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) once again upheld its reputation for operational excellence by surpassing regulatory compliance in the recently concluded Tenement Safety and Health, Environment and Social Development (TSHES) Audit for 2024. The audit covered both its operating mines — the Balabag Gold-Silver Project in Bayog, Zamboanga d...

In December 2024, Antrak Philippines, a prominent project logistics and freight forwarding company, officially embarked on a new chapter following a significant management buyout and a subsequent strategic rebranding. In February 2024, the company's current local principals successfully acquired full ownership, purchasing all shares previously held by ...

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to unlock the nation’s untapped mineral resources by issuing new regulatory policies within the next few months. This was announced during a plenary session at the Mining Philippines 2025 Conference and Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Wednesday (Oct. 22, 2025), by DENR Undersecret...

A pioneer in ISO certification in the Philippines and a global leader in lab testing, inspection, and verification, SGS Philippines Inc. takes the lead in helping mining companies comply with a new carbon accounting mandate.  Randall Evangelista, Business Manager, Industries & Environment – Health & Safety of SGS Philippines, Inc. was one of th...

An interview with Austrade Commissioner Luisa Rust “Trade and investment ties between Australia and the Philippines are robust and steadily growing, underpinned by strong bilateral agreements and shared strategic interests. Two-way trade is at $10.7 billion in 2024, with the Philippines being Australia’s 20th largest two-way goods and services trading ...

The Philippines’ quest to better understand and manage its marine resources just took a high-tech leap forward. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through its Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD), has officially acquired a state-of-the-art Sub-Bottom Profiler — known as the Delta Seismic Sparker System — marking a milestone in the country’s marin...

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is leading the government’s latest push to make the mining sector faster, more transparent, and more accountable through digital innovation and policy reform. At the 9th meeting of the inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) on Responsible Mining held on Octorber 21, 2025 at the ARTA Innovation Hub in Quezon City, ...

Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI) marked a major milestone in October 2025 as it renewed its Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) partnership agreement with the tribal communities under CADT-237, reaffirming a 25-year bond built on respect, collaboration, and sustainable development. Now in its Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Phase (...

By Paramina Earth Technologies Inc. / Thea Samantha C. Go, EM Building on GEOVIA's Digital Foundation As we saw in Part 1, Philippine mines can overcome operational challenges through GEOVIA's specialized tools. Surpac brings new precision to resource estimation in complex ore bodies, replacing manual methods with reliable 3D modelling. MineSched tr...

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division (MEIPD), successfully conducted a four-day Training-Workshop on Data Management and Analysis for Effective Data Compilation, Organization, Visualization, and Dissemination: From Data to Decisions, Empowering Insight Through Statistics on October 14–...

By: Paramina Earth Technologies Inc. / Thea Samantha C. Go, EM Profitability in the mining industry depends increasingly on using digital tools as leverage to optimise resource extraction, manage risks, and align operations with strict regulations. GEOVIA demonstrates how the use of digital solutions in the planning of modern mines transforms operat...

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) recently played a key role in shaping the future direction of regional geoscience efforts by participating in the 2nd Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Working Group Meeting. The meeting, ...

President outlines vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive Philippine minerals industry. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. became the first sitting Philippine president in decades to attend the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition, underscoring his administration’s resolve to revitalize the minerals industry...

The future looks bright for the Silangan Project as Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Eulalio B. Austin Jr. once again visited the development site to personally assess its progress and ensure that operations remain on track for commissioning in early 2026. Accompanied by key management members, tech...

We are proud to share that Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) has won the top award at the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA) in Vientiane, Laos, under the Best Practices in Distribution category! This marks HMC’s second AMA recognition, after earning 2nd runner-up at the 3rd AMA. The ASEAN Mineral Awards honour mining and mineral-processing companies ac...

Megawide Construction Corp. has secured two new contracts with Megaworld Corporation to build residential towers in the latter’s township developments. The multibillion-peso contracts cover civil, structural, and architectural works, as well as MEPF (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection). These latest developments add to the numerous p...

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) convened the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the ₱37-billion Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project (MTCIP) on October 10, 2025, in Cagayan de Oro City. The project aims to improve connectivity, safety, and access in rural and agricultural areas across Northern Mindanao, th...

AusIMM, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has appointed Philippine Mining and Exploration Association (PMEA) President, Joey Nelson R. Ayson as International Representative in the Philippines in May 2025. The International Representative is a voluntary, appointed position by AusIMM, which is the peak professional body for people in t...