Palawan: DMCI Mining Corp. has announced an expenditure of over PHP168 million dedicated to the rehabilitation of its Berong mine located in Quezon, Palawan.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMCI's data reveals that the final mine rehabilitation costs, from June 2022 to August this year, have already reached PHP168.3 million. The company, through its subsidiary Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC), initiated a six-year Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) in 2022 to restore the 288-hectare Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area.

The area includes 137 hectares previously used for mining and 151 hectares that remained undisturbed. Currently, 100 hectares have been rehabilitated, with restoration efforts ongoing in other affected areas. BNC has already planted 352,000 seedlings and produced over 497,000 seedlings in its nurseries, surpassing targets set for the rehabilitation program.

The initiative is expected to conclude next year, after which the rehabilitated land will be officially handed over to the government. DMCI Mining President Tulsi Das Reyes emphasized the company's commitment to the project, stating that they are ahead of schedule and aiming to demonstrate their dedication to Palawan both for current operations and future retirement plans. Reyes highlighted ongoing discussions with the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure compliance.

Additionally, DMCI Mining Vice President for Operations, Ramon Briones, mentioned plans to plant at least 150,000 trees during the remaining rehabilitation period, emphasizing the company's continued efforts through to the project's completion.