DMCI Pours Over P160M for Palawan Mine Rehabilitation

MANILA, Philippines — DMCI Mining Corp. has invested over P168.3 million for the rehabilitation of its decommissioned nickel mine in Quezon, Palawan, and is on track to complete restoration works ahead of schedule. The company has spent the amount from June 2022 to August this year. DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes stated that the rehabilitation of the closed nickel mine is progressing ahead of its 2028 target. He emphasized the company's commitment to "over-compliance" as the Berong site is the first nickel mine in the country to have its Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan approved, aiming to set a benchmark. Reyes indicated that while completion could have been earlier, they opted for meticulous fine-tuning before the handover to the government. "On paper, we could be done, but we’re not yet. We really want to fine-tune it and make sure that when we say we’re done, we’re done," he said. Ramon Briones, DMCI Mining vice-president for operations, clarified that the earthworks at the site are ahead of schedule, but planting operations will continue until the end of the rehabilitation period. The company will also continue planting and monitoring the rehabilitated area for the next two years. The Palawan mine site spans 288 hectares under its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement. Approximately 130 hectares were used for mining operations, seven hectares for support facilities, and the rest remained undisturbed. Over 100 hectares have already been rehabilitated, with ongoing restoration work in the remaining areas. Reyes assured that DMCI Mining would remain available to ensure the success of the rehabilitation even after the site is turned over to the government. "We want to make sure it works. We have all intents and purposes to make sure it excels," he added. Plans for the rehabilitated site after its turnover include agroforestry, ecotourism, and ecological restoration.