Company advances long-term rehabilitation and post-mining preparation years ahead of scheduled closure
BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. (OGP) has allocated P768.43 million for the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) of its Didipio Mine in Nueva Vizcaya, with P551.4 million already deposited in a trust fund as of 2026.
The listed company said the fund will continue to increase in line with the required annual provisioning schedule as it carries out rehabilitation work while the mine remains in operation.
“Responsible mining means planning for rehabilitation throughout the life of the mine and closure long before operations eventually conclude,” said lawyer Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling, President and General Manager for External Affairs and Social Performance.
Adaci-Cattiling added that “by progressively rehabilitating our operating areas and steadily building the rehabilitation fund while operations continue, we are ensuring the resources, systems and plans are in place to support a safe, responsible and sustainable transition beyond mining.”
Progressive rehabilitation during operations
The Didipio Mine operates within a 975-hectare approved mining permit area. Its actual operating footprint is about 340 hectares.
Of that area, 100 hectares are designated for progressive rehabilitation during the mine’s operating life. Company data show more than 55 hectares had been rehabilitated as of end-2025. The remaining areas will be rehabilitated in phases over the coming years.
At the end of operations, approximately 221 hectares are projected for final rehabilitation. Another 58 hectares, including the open pit and selected mine camp facilities, are being considered for potential post-mining community uses instead of conventional revegetation.
Based on consultations with host communities, proposed post-mining land uses include agriculture, forestry, a freshwater lake, and an enterprise tourism development area. The company said these proposals remain subject to technical assessment to determine safety, suitability and sustainability for specific areas of the mine site.
The approach reflects a shift in industry practice where rehabilitation and closure planning are integrated years before a mine ceases operations, rather than treated only as an end-of-life activity.
FMRDP updated every two years
The FMRDP serves as the blueprint for closure activities and financial provisioning. Under government requirements, the FMRDP is reviewed and updated every two years to account for rehabilitation progress, changes to the mine plan, new technical data, stakeholder input, and regulatory requirements.
The next review is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The company said the plan will continue to be refined as closure designs are further developed and post-mining land-use studies become more detailed.
“We have been part of the Didipio community for 20 years, building enduring partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared progress,” Adaci-Cattiling said. “As our operations continue in the years to come, we are already investing in rehabilitation and closure planning to help ensure positive and sustainable outcomes for the environment and our host communities well into the future.”
About the operation
OGP operates the Didipio gold-copper mine in Luzon under a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement or FTAA. The company, with stock symbol “OGP,” is listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
According to the company, its commitment includes safely and responsibly maximizing free cash flow from the operation while delivering returns to shareholders and meeting environmental and social obligations tied to mining.