Philex Mining Corporation (Philex), a venerable leader in the Philippine mining industry and one of the nation’s largest copper and gold producers, announced the official unveiling of its highly anticipated Silangan Project. The significant milestone was marked by ceremonies held at the project site in Barangay Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.
The unveiling event, attended by key stakeholders and industry leaders, took place in front of the impressive Grinding Complex, a critical component of the Silangan Project’s state-of-the-art process plant. Attendees witnessed firsthand the scale of major equipment, including the Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill, mill liner handler, and cyclone cluster pump, underscoring the advanced technological capabilities integrated into the project.
A highlight of the Silangan Project’s innovative design is its integrated copper leaching and gold leaching operation. Notably, the project incorporates copper leaching directly from run-of-mine ore to produce copper cathode, a pioneering achievement that makes Silangan the first of its kind in the Philippines. This cutting-edge process will yield two primary final products: high-purity copper cathode and gold dore.
The ceremonies were graced by the esteemed presence of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who served as the guest of honor and delivered a keynote address. Secretary Loyzaga’s presence underscored the government’s support for responsible mining practices and the significant economic contributions expected from the Silangan Project.
Philex said the unveiling of the Silangan Project represents a monumental step forward not just for Philex Mining, but for the entire Philippine mining sector. “This project embodies our commitment to sustainable development, technological innovation, and maximizing the value of our mineral resources for the benefit of the nation. We are particularly proud of our groundbreaking copper cathode production, which sets a new standard for efficiency and environmental stewardship in the country.”
The Silangan Project is poised to significantly contribute to the local and national economy through job creation, revenue generation, and the development of ancillary industries. Philex Mining remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of environmental protection and community engagement throughout the project’s lifecycle.