MANILA, Philippines — Philex Mining Corp. said mining operations at its Padcal mine remain unrestricted despite an ongoing workers’ strike.
In separate disclosures to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the mining firm said the Philex National Mines and Allied Workers Union (NAMAWU) initiated a strike last Oct. 11 due to an alleged collective bargaining deadlock.
The company said it was still determining the exact number of union members who joined the strike but estimated that about 65 percent of the rank-and-file employees and supervisors scheduled to work reported for duty on the first day.
It noted that Philex’s managers and supervisors would continue to take over operations, including employees who will report to work and opted out of participating in the strike.
“So far, mining and processing operations have continued and remained unhampered,” the company said.
Based on initial reports, production and output on Oct. 11 were at the usual levels and without any drastic decrease seen.
It noted that absences were compensated by two long shifts that were implemented by the mine and mill.
The mining firm stressed that it would continue to ensure the safe and orderly management and operation of the Padcal mine.
“The company will likewise provide further updates as appropriate,” it added.
The company noted that the strike proceeded despite ongoing negotiations before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCMB-CAR).
NAMAWU voted on Sept. 30 to authorize its officers to stage a strike and submitted the referendum results to NCMB-CAR the following day.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also invited Philex and union officials to a conciliation-mediation conference to reach a mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.
Philex had previously stated that the union had sought benefits beyond what the company could currently provide given its financial and operating situation.
The company swung to a P200.4-million net loss in the first half of 2026 as unrealized forex losses from its dollar-denominated mining debt weighed on earnings.