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Celsius Resources Ltd. has reported further high-grade copper and gold intercepts from its Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Project in the Cordillera Administrative Region, even as Philippine regulators granted conditional approval for the use of water resources in preparation for mine development.
In its September 15 disclosure to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM), Celsius said drilling results confirmed a continuous interval of 113.1 meters grading 1.32 percent copper and 0.41 grams per ton (g/t) gold from 8.1 meters, including 54.6 meters at 1.84 percent copper and 0.74 g/t gold from 60.4 meters.
The drill program, which began in June, focused on geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling, as well as collecting material for metallurgical test work.
“This recent drill hole was completed to provide Ausenco and its mineral processing team with sufficient high-quality material from the MCB deposit so that further testwork can be completed to reaffirm the process plant design,” said Peter Hume, Celsius’ country technical director.
“With these new higher-grade intercepts, we have further confidence that our mine plan, development and operating strategy will deliver the best value for the Project, our investors, shareholders and the community,” Hume added.
Water permit granted
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has issued a conditional water permit valid for 12 months, authorizing Celsius’ Philippine subsidiary Makilala Mining Company Inc. (MMCI) to commence water use activities for the MCB Project.
Under the Water Code of the Philippines, MMCI is required to install measuring devices and submit quarterly water utilization reports to ensure withdrawals remain sustainable and do not compromise existing water rights. The permit will be made permanent once compliance conditions are met.
Celsius said it “remains committed to working diligently to meeting all regulatory requirements while safeguarding local water resources to secure full permit conversion.”
Feasibility and financing update
The company also confirmed that its feasibility update study and front-end engineering design (FEED) program remain on track for completion by December.
An interim study report from Ausenco highlighted improvements in mine design, site layout, processing plant design and materials handling, which are expected to lower operating costs and boost project economics.
Ongoing talks are being held with several potential financiers, including the Maharlika Investment Corporation and Kiri Industries Ltd. While the Maharlika fund has already extended an initial bridging loan, Celsius cautioned that “there is no guarantee that discussions will lead to any definitive agreement.”
The MCB Project, located about 320 kilometers north of Manila, has an updated JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of 338 million tonnes grading 0.47 percent copper and 0.12 g/t gold, equivalent to 1.6 million tonnes of contained copper and 1.3 million ounces of gold.
A 2021 study identified the potential for a 25-year underground mining operation with a post-tax net present value of $464 million and an internal rate of return of 31 percent, based on a copper price of $4 per pound and gold at $1,695 per ounce.
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 performance in the previous year. The Company’s total backlog or unworked portion of existing contracts as of end August 2025 is PHP 39.24 billion.
MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI) recently awarded EEI the construction of selected sections of CALAX Subsection 1 in Kawit, Cavite. It is a PHP 2.7 billion project which covers the construction of the roadway, drainage systems, and related structures. Once completed, CALAX is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Cavite and Laguna, easing traffic congestion and supporting regional economic growth.
In the hospitality sector, EEI secured a contract with Megaworld Corporation for the construction of Arcovia Hotel in Pasig City. The scope of work includes civil, structural, and architectural finishing, including painting and waterproofing works.
“These new project wins mark a significant turnaround for EEI, reflecting our resilience, competitiveness in the industry, and renewed growth momentum. More than expanding our portfolio, these infrastructure and building projects reaffirm our commitment to nation-building by helping drive economic growth, enabling connectivity, and delivering facilities that uplift the lives of our people and our communities,” said EEI Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial and Operations, Anna Payawal-Figuera.
Backed by a healthy pipeline of projects, EEI looks forward to sustaining its growth trajectory and further contributing to the country’s development and economic growth.
On August 22, EEI announced its strategic expansion into real estate development by capitalizing on its overall land bank of 139 hectares in various strategic locations. This move marks a significant milestone in the Company’s long-term growth strategy to evolve from a pure-play construction company into a fully integrated property and infrastructure developer.
By entering the real estate development space, EEI aims to capture greater value across the property lifecycle. The diversification is designed to leverage the Company’s extensive construction expertise, robust project management capabilities, and established industry relationships.
The company is currently preparing its initial pipeline of real estate projects for various properties located in Makati, Quezon City, Bataan, Cavite, and Pampanga. These will be undertaken with the same commitment to quality that has characterized EEI’s track record in construction.
“This endeavor is part of the Company’s long-term strategy to strengthen and expand its role in nation-building, not only in infrastructure but in providing housing solutions to a mass number of people who currently do not have access to proper, dignified, and comfortable housing accommodations in the metro and neighboring provinces,” said EEI President and CEO Henry D. Antonio.
Along with this vision, EEI, in support of the government’s push to address housing backlog in the country, will also develop quality housing projects in various prime locations within Greater Manila Area.
EEI will also develop an Affordable Luxury Micro Condominium (ALMC) in Clark, Pampanga. The project's vision is to create a living environment designed with thoughtful spaces that go beyond a workers’ accommodation facility.
In Cavite, EEI is set to transform a property into an integrated township that will house residential and commercial spaces, office buildings, sports, leisure and entertainment amenities.
“Real estate development represents a logical and timely progression for our organization. By integrating development into our business portfolio, we strengthen our competitive position, diversify our revenue streams, create additional long-term value and fulfill our investment commitment to our stakeholders. It also supports our sustainability commitment by providing socialized, decent and sustainable living spaces for our people,” Antonio added.
“Diversifying into real estate development is consistent with our long-term vision of becoming a fully integrated industry leader. We remain committed to delivering sustainable growth, enhancing shareholder value and contributing to nation-building,” said Toni Venette Picar, EEI Vice President for Corporate Finance and New Business Development.
EEI’s real estate diversification positions the Company as a forward-looking, diversified company that goes beyond its reputation in construction and engineering.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has reached a significant milestone in the construction of the MTerra Solar plant—with 778 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels now installed on-site.
This achievement exceeds the project’s 750 MW target and positions MTerra Solar as the largest solar PV installation in the Philippines to date. Once complete, it is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility.
“MTerra Solar stands as a clear example of how we can shape the country’s energy future through strong partnerships and a shared vision. With 778 MW of solar PV capacity now installed, we are making real progress toward delivering cleaner and more sustainable power for Filipinos,” said Dennis B. Jordan, MTerra Solar and MGEN Renewable Energy president and CEO.
“This milestone reflects the hard work of our teams on the ground, the support of our government partners, and the trust of the communities we serve,” Jordan said.
Since the project’s groundbreaking in November 2024—led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—MTerra Solar has reached 54 percent overall completion for Phase 1. The integrated PV and battery energy storage system (BESS), along with a 500‑kilovolt transmission line to the Nagsaag‑San Jose corridor, is supported by a workforce of over 9,500, which has logged more than 7.5 million safe manhours.
The facility is a critical element of the Philippines’ plan to achieve 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Local officials hailed the project’s community and economic benefits.
“At the heart of our provincial agenda is the vision of sustainable, inclusive and future‑forward development. The provincial government of Nueva Ecija will continue to champion projects like MTerra Solar. It is our duty to pave the way for a future that is not only bright but also clean, green and just,” said Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali, represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Maria San Pedro.
For his part, Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual added, “Nakakatuwa dahil libo-libong trabaho at negosyo ang naging oportunidad dito sa Lungsod ng Gapan at pakikinabangan ng mga Batang Gapan.”
“[We also express our] deep appreciation that a great number of the workforce is now providing livelihood... The strong partnership that we build today is a commitment to improve lives of our people now and beyond,” said General Tinio Mayor Sherry Bolisay.
Spanning 3,500 hectares—nearly the size of Pasig City—the project stretches across Gapan, Peñaranda, General Tinio, San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija, and San Miguel in Bulacan. Once fully operational, MTerra Solar will deliver 3,500 MWp of solar capacity and 4,500 MWh of energy storage, powering some 2.4 million households and avoiding approximately 4.3 million tons of CO₂ emissions yearly—equivalent to taking over 3 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the road.
Constructed with the support of EPC leaders Energy China, POWERCHINA, MIESCOR, and Huawei, as well as grid interconnection specialists Maxipro Development and Fujian Electric, the project is on schedule to complete Phase 1 by early 2026 and Phase 2 in 2027—three years ahead of MGEN’s 2030 renewable capacity goal.
MGEN’s broader portfolio now boasts nearly 5,000 MW of combined capacity across traditional and renewable sources.
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 fall of major mining projects, highly publicized environmental controversies, and a renewed focus on mining’s role in the green energy transition.
Your Philippine Resources Journal has witnessed and chronicled these events over the last 15 years, and as we celebrate our anniversary in this issue, this narrative hopes to unpack the key events, policies, and trends that have defined the PH mining landscape during this pivotal period.
Early 2010s: Industry Ambitions and Rising Tension
The start of the 2010s saw heightened optimism within the Philippine mining sector. Policymakers promoted mining as a pillar of national industrialization, encouraging value chain development and community-based mining initiatives. The spotlight fell on projects like Xstrata’s Tampakan copper-gold development, which promised to catapult the country into the ranks of leading mineral exporters.
However, these ambitions quickly ran into strong headwinds. Environmental groups and local communities intensified their campaigns against large-scale mining, culminating in South Cotabato’s enforcement of a provincial open-pit mining ban in 2011, which effectively stalled the high-profile Tampakan project (now under Sagittarius Mines Inc. or SMI).
National debates over mining’s true social and environmental costs gained traction, with the Senate holding hearings and grassroots campaigns like “No to Mining in Palawan” galvanizing public opinion.
2012–2015: Regulatory Shift and Industry Slowdown
In 2012, President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order 79 (EO 79), a landmark policy that imposed a moratorium on new mining agreements while calling for stricter environmental regulations and the rationalization of the sector.
EO 79 signaled a major policy pivot, prioritizing responsible mining practices and environmental safeguards over unfettered industry expansion. The moratorium brought new investments to a halt, and by 2013, the industry’s contribution to GDP had declined, with mining companies facing mounting criticism for pollution, deforestation, and community displacement.
Despite these headwinds, the sector maintained a degree of resilience. By 2014, metallic mineral production reached ₱138.6 billion, with nickel emerging as the country’s leading export mineral. The mining industry paid ₱21.4 billion in taxes that year and began expanding environmental and social development programs in response to growing scrutiny.
In 2015, investments rebounded to nearly US$1 billion, and operations at Didipio (under OceanaGold), Toledo (Carmen Copper), and Coral Bay (Rio Tuba) highlighted the sector’s ongoing economic relevance.
The Philippines also became a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), reflecting a new emphasis on accountability and global best practices.
2016–2017: The Gina Lopez Era and Heightened Environmental Scrutiny
A dramatic turning point arrived with the appointment of Gina Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Duterte administration in 2016.
Lopez launched an unprecedented nationwide audit of mining operations, prioritizing ecological integrity and community welfare above industry profitability. Dozens of mines were suspended or ordered closed for failing environmental standards, and a national ban on open-pit mining was imposed.
The reforms, while applauded by environmentalists and many local communities, sowed uncertainty throughout the industry and triggered a wave of legal and political challenges. By 2017, Lopez’s tenure had resulted in the suspension of five major operations and the closure of 23 others.
While the value of metallic production remained stable due to global price increases, the industry grappled with regulatory unpredictability and the prospect of further interventions. The DENR also mandated full EITI participation, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency.
However, Lopez lasted only one year in the post -- and died in 2019 from brain cancer. She was succeeded at the DENR by former military general Roy Cimatu, who continued the Duterte government’s holding pattern on mining.
2018–2020: Recovery, ESG Emphasis, and Pandemic Disruption
With Lopez’s departure, the regulatory climate gradually stabilized. Year 2018 saw a rebound in mining production, as the sector deepened its commitments to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in response to both domestic activism and international investor expectations. However, opposition to large-scale mining remained potent, with ongoing protests and calls for stricter oversight.
By 2019, the moratorium from EO 79 was still in effect, and exploration budgets stayed low. Major projects like Tampakan and Silangan (under Philex) continued to languish in regulatory limbo. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt another blow, disrupting operations and supply chains.
Nevertheless, mining still contributed ₱102.3 billion to the national GDP, with nickel maintaining its status as the top export mineral. Notably, Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds were redirected to support pandemic relief efforts in mining communities.
2021–2023: Policy Reversal and New Growth Drivers
A watershed moment came in 2021, when Executive Order 130 (EO 130) lifted the nine-year moratorium on new mineral agreements, signaling a more investment-friendly posture while retaining environmental safeguards.
This policy reversal was driven in part by the growing global demand for so-called “green metals” such as nickel and copper, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies. Gold and nickel production surged, and the industry began to recover from years of stagnation.
In 2022, the government lifted the open-pit mining ban, further encouraging investment. The DENR promoted exploration for critical minerals, and exports soared to US$7.53 billion.
By 2023, the value of metallic production reached ₱249.7 billion, with 59 operating metallic mines and a strong focus on ESG. The DENR committed ₱387.95 billion to environmental programs, reflecting the sector’s newfound emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.
2024–2025: Mining’s Strategic Role in Green Transition
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office, mining was explicitly prioritized as a key component of economic recovery and the national energy transition. Policymakers emphasized downstream mineral processing, seeking to capture greater value domestically rather than exporting raw ore.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under the DENR projected a strong outlook for the sector, buoyed by international demand for minerals critical to decarbonization. By 2025, mining was recognized as essential to the Philippines’ green technology ambitions. Nickel demand soared in response to the global EV boom, and draft fiscal reforms proposed tiered royalty schemes to balance government revenue with investor appeal.
The long-stalled Tampakan copper project was once again under consideration for launch in 2026, symbolizing the sector’s renewed confidence and strategic importance in a rapidly changing world.
Key Trends and Lessons Learned
Throughout this period, several overarching trends defined the local mining sector. Policy volatility—marked by alternating waves of restriction and liberalization—had profound impacts on investor sentiment and project viability.
Environmental scrutiny intensified, with audits, suspensions, and ESG compliance becoming central to mining operations, especially from 2016 onward. The industry’s role in the global green transition brought renewed focus on nickel and copper, transforming them into strategic assets.
Finally, post-2021 reforms and global market dynamics triggered a revival in investment and exploration, as the Philippines positioned itself to supply critical minerals for a decarbonizing world.
The trajectory of the PH mining industry over the last 15 years illustrates a complex interplay between resource development, environmental stewardship, social accountability, and economic opportunity.
As the sector looks ahead, its continued evolution will depend on the delicate balancing of these priorities in the face of both domestic challenges and global shifts – and your Philippine Resources Journal will be here, ready to chronicle these changes.
Orica is one of the world’s leading providers of mining and infrastructure solutions. From manufacturing explosives and blasting systems to supplying specialty chemicals, geotechnical monitoring tools, and advanced digital technologies, the company supports the sustainable mobilization of the earth’s resources.
Philippine Resources Journal presents this exclusive interview with Gulshan Sadhwani, Orica’s newly appointed area business manager, who shares his insights on the company’s role and future in the Philippines.
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-day event gathered professionals from the mining industry, government regulators, academic institutions, sponsors, and community representatives. It was the first time that Caraga—known as the country’s mining hub—hosted an event of this scale solely dedicated to mining engineers and allied professionals.
The symposium featured a full program of technical sessions, a mining exhibit, and knowledge-sharing forums. Discussions focused on the increasing importance of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in day-to-day mining operations. Industry leaders emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional, but an operational imperative for companies that want to remain competitive and socially accepted.
Apart from the formal sessions, participants were also treated to a mine tour that offered a closer look at modern practices in safety, environmental management, and community engagement. To cap off the event, the chapter organized the Miner’s Gold Rush Fun Run, which brought together professionals, students, and community members in a lighter, more festive atmosphere.
More than just a technical gathering, the 1st PSEM Caraga Mining Symposium became a platform for partnership and dialogue. It underscored the industry’s shared responsibility to balance resource development with environmental care and social progress.
With its strong turnout and wide support, the Caraga Chapter’s inaugural symposium set a precedent. It not only celebrated the profession of mining engineering but also reaffirmed Caraga’s role as a vital contributor to shaping the future of responsible mining in the Philippines.