The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), has scheduled a public scoping on May 11, 2026 for a proposed P800-million iron mining project in Piddig, Ilocos Norte.
The meeting will allow project developer Rigid Aggregates Mining Corp. (RAMC) to present an overview of the plan and gather feedback from the public, including concerns and other relevant information.
Based on project documents, RAMC holds a government-approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreement covering about 2,926 hectares, with initial operations planned on a 600-hectare site in barangays Virbira-Angset.
The project will involve exploration, extraction, crushing, and transport of iron ore. Materials will be hauled დაახლოებით 88 kilometers to Currimao Port for export.
Mining will mainly use surface methods, including heavy equipment and explosives. Initial operations will focus on areas with high-grade ore.
The company targets production of about 240,000 metric tons of iron ore annually in the first two years, with plans to increase output later.
RAMC said the project aims to support economic growth and government revenues while promoting responsible mining practices.
Current estimates show at least 3 million metric tons of mineable iron ore, which could sustain operations for up to eight years, with potential increases depending on further exploration and global market demand.
