RUNRUNO, Nueva Vizcaya — FCF Minerals Corporation confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, that the Runruno Gold Project will cease operations by the end of 2026 following the suspension of the Dupax Exploration Permit by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), effectively removing what management described as the project’s “last operational lifeline.”
The company disclosed that employees were formally notified earlier this week of the planned closure, citing the depletion of existing gold ore reserves at Runruno and the inability to complete exploration activities in Dupax that were intended to extend the mine’s life.
Runruno has been operating on its remaining reserves, with the Dupax exploration program seen as the only viable pathway to discovering additional economic ore that could be processed through the existing Runruno facility.
The suspension of the exploration permit has halted that program.
“With Dupax exploration suspended and no ability to complete drilling to define new economic reserves,
Runruno will close having fully depleted its current ore body,” said Lorne Harvey, General Manager. “Mining is finite by nature. Without reserve replacement, operations must end.”
The closure will directly and indirectly affect more than 1,500 workers and linked livelihoods across Nueva Vizcaya — including employees, contractors, suppliers, transport providers, and community-based enterprises whose income streams depend on the mine’s operations.
Beyond employment impacts, the shutdown will end local government revenue shares, national tax contributions, royalty flows, and community development funding tied to production.
Management emphasized that the company had hoped exploration success in Dupax would extend the mine life, preserve jobs, and sustain economic contributions to host communities. However, without regulatory clarity allowing the completion of the exploration program, reserve replacement is no longer feasible within the project’s remaining timeline.
Industry analysts note that the situation underscores the commercial sensitivity of producing mines operating near reserve depletion.
Exploration continuity is critical to sustaining operations, and regulatory interruptions at that stage can have irreversible consequences.
The Philippine mining sector has actively promoted itself as a destination for responsible mineral development amid rising global demand for gold and critical minerals. Market observers caution that enforcement actions affecting life-extension programs of producing assets may heighten perceptions of jurisdictional risk and influence future capital allocation decisions.
FCF Minerals reiterated that it remains committed to complying with Philippine laws and environmental standards throughout the closure process. The company stated it will implement a structured and responsible mine closure program in accordance with regulatory requirements.
“Our responsibility extends to our employees, host communities, shareholders, and government stakeholders,” Harvey said.
“We will ensure that Runruno’s closure is carried out safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with Philippine regulations.”
Further disclosures will be issued as the transition toward closure progresses.
The post Runruno mine to close by end of 2026 as MGB suspension halts Dupax exploration, company warns appeared first on Journal News Online.
