The Runruno Gold Project, nestled in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, faces a definitive end. Operations will cease entirely by year’s end, a consequence of a suspended exploration permit that effectively seals the mine’s future.
The suspension, issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, halts all exploration activities crucial for discovering new ore reserves. For FCF Minerals Corp., the parent company, this represents a critical blow, extinguishing the last hope of extending the mine’s lifespan.
Runruno had been operating on dwindling resources, relying entirely on the Dupax exploration program to replenish its supply. Without the ability to identify and access new deposits, the mine is now facing inevitable depletion of its current ore body.
Lorne Harvey, General Manager of FCF Minerals, stated the situation plainly: the suspension of Dupax exploration leaves no path forward. The mine will close, having exhausted its existing resources.
The permit in question belonged to Woggle Corp., an affiliate of FCF Minerals, and was suspended due to escalating security concerns and strong opposition from the local community. Protests ignited in August following the permit’s initial approval, highlighting deep-seated anxieties about potential mineral extraction.
The closure’s impact will be far-reaching, affecting over 1,500 individuals. This includes not only direct employees but also a vast network of contractors and service providers whose livelihoods are inextricably linked to the mine’s operation.
FCF Minerals has committed to a comprehensive, regulated closure program. This will adhere strictly to Philippine environmental and safety standards, aiming to minimize the long-term impact of the mine’s shutdown.
