SIlangan

Philex Mining Corp., one of the oldest and largest copper and gold producers in the country, recently unveiled its Silangan Project in Barangay Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

The project is expected to spend total capital expenditures of around $1 billion in its construction and development, and ramp up production programs until it reaches a full capacity of 4 million tonnes per year.

Silangan also has a processing plant, making it the first of its kind in the country. The final products are copper cathode and gold ore.

This is in line with President Marcos’ vision to have value-added processing done locally.

Manuel V. Pangilinan: “Mining is not the enemy— poverty is.”

Projects such as this augur well not only for the country but for the world as well.  The shift from fossil fuel-based energy to renewables require minerals like copper and nickel.

Once considered a pariah, the extractive industry is now an indispensable party in the battle against climate change.

Then DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, who had been very supportive of the project, was guest of honor and speaker. Yulo was welcomed by Philex/ Silangan president and CEO engineer Euls Austin, who aptly recognized her leadership at the DENR and her invaluable contribution to the project’s development.

Also present were Surigao Del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers and Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, officials of the project’s host local government units. All of them welcomed the project’s potential for regional growth and development.

At the unveiling ceremony held at the Silangan Project Site are (from left to right): Philex president and CEO Eulalio Austin, Jr., then DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

In terms of social development, even if the project is not yet operational, Silangan spends about P5 million per year on its social development and management programs.  These programs will benefit tremendously the host and surrounding communities.

As Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. COO and chairman and president of the Chamber of Mines, I simply reiterated the group’s development goals: “Our chairman MVP has always said, ‘Mining is not the enemy — poverty is’.”

“The unveiling of this project affirms that commitment.”

Mabuhay Philex Silangan. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipinong Minero! *