The Philippine government reaffirmed its push for responsible mining at the Philippines–Korea Business Forum with the first-ever issuance of a Certificate of Final Relinquishment to a mining project as a milestone in the industry’s shift toward full life-cycle accountability.
During the forum held on March 4 at the Conrad Hotel in Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conferred a Special Citation on Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc. (RRMI) and Rapu-Rapu Processing, Inc. (RRPI) for completing the rehabilitation and closure of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Albay.
The recognition marks the first time a mining company in the Philippines has been granted a Certificate of Final Relinquishment under Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Mining operations at the Rapu-Rapu project ran from 2005 to 2013, after which the companies undertook rehabilitation measures in line with their approved Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan.
The firms invested over PHP 1 billion in rehabilitation, which exceeded the originally approved fund, to meet mine closure objectives covering environmental stability, ecosystem restoration, and community preparedness.
These efforts included the decommissioning of major facilities, stabilization of open pit slopes and tailings storage areas, installation of drainage and erosion control systems, management of potentially acid-generating materials, and large-scale revegetation.
The companies also implemented social programs to support host and neighboring communities as part of the transition following the cessation of mining operations.
The rehabilitation outcomes were independently audited by a third-party environmental auditor and validated by the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee through its monitoring and oversight bodies.
In July 2025, authorities confirmed that all mine closure objectives had been satisfactorily achieved. This was followed by the issuance of the Certificate of Final Relinquishment in August 2025, formally releasing the companies from further obligations over the rehabilitated areas.
The DENR said the recognition showcases its commitment to enforcing a full life-cycle approach to mining, from responsible extraction to verified and environmentally sound mine closure.
Beyond the recognition, the Philippines-Korea Business Forum served as a platform to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as critical minerals development, sustainable mining practices, and resilient supply chains.
Officials also pointed to opportunities for increased investment, technology exchange, and innovation in green mining, positioning the Philippines as a potential partner in the global minerals sector.
How can the Philippines build on this milestone to ensure more mining projects meet the same standards for responsible closure?
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