Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga led the unveiling ceremony of the Copper and Gold Project of Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI) on May 28, 2025 in Barangay Timamana, Municipality of Tubod, Province of Surigao del Norte.
Key officials including DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, SMMCI President and Chief Executive Officer Eualio B. Austin, Jr., Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, and Congressman Robert Ace S. Barbers took part in the said ceremony.
In her keynote message, Secretary Loyzaga highlighted the project’s importance not only to local economic growth but also to the national agenda of promoting responsible and sustainable mineral development.
Secretary Loyzaga emphasized that the country’s true competitive advantage lies not merely in mineral extraction, but in the way resources are mined. She stressed that the nation’s mineral wealth should be measured not only by volume or monetary value but by how mining activities protect ecosystems, support communities, and uphold principles of transparency and accountability throughout and beyond the life of a mine.
Secretary Loyzaga also urged SMMCI to continue supporting disaster risk reduction and management efforts, both within the mine site and in surrounding communities. This, she noted, is especially critical amid the growing risks and uncertainties posed by climate change.
In the same way, Secretary Loyzaga reiterated that the Department’s expectations extend beyond regulatory requirements, calling for deeper industry responsibility and long-term environmental stewardship.
“Our standard is not just for compliance. It involves commitment — to a better environment, to inclusive and resilient development, and to building a legacy that endures throughout and beyond the life of the mine,” she said.
The Silangan Copper and Gold Project is poised to significantly contribute to the local economy, while also setting a benchmark for environmentally and socially responsible mining in the country.
Also present during the event were DENR Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources Augusto D. Dela Peña, DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and Concurrent OIC-Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Michael V. Cabalda, DENR Head Executive Assistant Jose Joaquin Y. Loyzaga, DENR Caraga OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, MGB Caraga Regional Director Larry M. Heradez, Environmental Management Bureau Caraga Regional Director Dennis O. Celestial, DENR Caraga OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services and Legal Division Chief Atty. Redemtor A. Oja, PENR Officers, CENR Officers, Division Chiefs of DENR Caraga, and Local Government Unit representatives of Surigao del Norte.
The event concluded with an afternoon site tour, where participants were given a firsthand look at the mine’s current development activities and operational plans.
