Didipio mine

Didipio mine is a large open-pit and underground gold and copper mine located at Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. The mine is operated by the OceanaGold.

Didipio mine

Location
Didipio mine Show map of Luzon Didipio mine Show map of Philippines
Location	Barangay Didipio, Kasibu
Province	Nueva Vizcaya
Country	Philippines
Coordinates	16°19′29″N 121°27′01″E
Production
Products	Copper, Gold
Production	Gold: 138,500 ounces (3,930 kg)[1] Copper: 14,200 metric tons (31,300,000 lb)[1]
Financial year	2023
Type	Open-pit and underground mine
History
Opened	1994
Owner
Company	OceanaGold
Website	https://didipiomine.com.ph

History

The Didipio mine is a gold and copper mine in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, operated by OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. The mine transitioned from open-pit to underground in 2019, processes ore on-site, and produces both gold and copper concentrates. It operates under a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) with the Philippine government, which was renewed for an additional 25 years in 2021. .^[2] ref>Rivas, Ralf (July 15, 2021). "OceanaGold to resume mining in Nueva Vizcaya after new deal with gov't". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 4, 2024.</ref>^[3]

Operation

Didipio mine is operated by OceanaGold Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of OceanaGold. The mine is both an open-pit mine and an underground mine.^[2] In 2023, the mine produces 14,200 metric tons (31,300,000 lb) of copper and 138,500 ounces (3,930 kg) of gold.^[1]

Criticism

Various indigenous (Bugkalot, Tuwali), environmentalist and religious (CBCP) groups has demanded to cancel the mining permit of the mine due to environmental concern and alleged human rights issues.^[4][5][6]

In 2007 and 2008, the mine was ordered closed by then-governor Luisa Cuaresma, leading to charges being filed against her and other officials of the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government.^[7] In 2019, the mine's operation was again halted by governor Carlos Padilla even after the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.^[8]

In July 2021, the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) and other environmentalist groups denounced the renewal of the mine's operations citing that "[it] flies in the face of the will of the local government and groups of Tuwali indigenous people.” and adding that it disrupts agricultural livelihoods, and contributing to the air and water pollution to area.^[9]