Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) is entering the final phase before first production by completing key commissioning, safety, and environmental steps ahead of its process plant startup.
In a series of updates posted on its official Facebook page, the company described a “countdown to first production” as it gears up for the commissioning of its Process Plant. The first of which was an on-site visit led by President and CEO Engr. Eulalio B. Austin Jr. and members of the Silangan Management Committee to assess readiness and review on-the-ground progress.
The company said the visit was technical in nature, emphasizing that commissioning requires urgency, precision, and alignment across systems and processes. The posts noted that only days remain before “first metals” are expected to emerge from the plant, showcasing that the project is nearing its first critical operational milestone.
As part of preparations for startup, SMMCI also conducted an in-house fire safety and basic firefighting training from February 10 to 13, 2026. The training was facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection-Tubod and gathered 14 pioneering members of the Emergency Response Team assigned to the Process Plant area.
According to the company, 12 participants were from the Process Plant and two from the Assay Laboratory. The initiative is part of efforts to ensure workforce readiness and build a dedicated safety team ahead of commissioning in case of any emergencies.
In its latest development, SMMCI announced that it secured approval from its Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) for its 2026 Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP). The approval followed a presentation and deliberation involving representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office XIII, local government units, and non-government organization members.
The company said the MRFC reviewed its proposed environmental protection measures and enhancement initiatives for the coming year, with emphasis on measurable actions and continuous monitoring. The approval reflects compliance with environmental planning requirements as the project advances toward operations.
The Silangan Project, located in Surigao del Norte, is being developed by SMMCI, a subsidiary of Philex Mining Corporation. It is positioned as a copper-gold development in Mindanao and has previously been described by its parent company as approaching production readiness.
With preparations intensifying and compliance milestones secured, will Silangan confirm first production in the coming weeks?
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