LX International announced Wednesday that it has received formal recognition from the Philippine government for successfully completing the environmental rehabilitation of the Rapu-Rapu copper mine. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone, showcasing a rare instance of a mining company fully restoring a site after its closure.
The commendation was presented during the Korea-Philippines Business Forum in Manila. Philippine Environment and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna presented the award to LX International CEO Koo Hyuk-seo, who attended the forum as part of the South Korean business delegation accompanying the president.
The citation specifically acknowledges LX International’s successful completion of the entire mining lifecycle at the Rapu-Rapu project, encompassing development, production, closure, and, crucially, environmental restoration.
LX International acquired the Rapu-Rapu mine in 2008 and initiated extensive rehabilitation efforts in 2018. These restoration activities included stabilizing mine slopes, restoring vegetation, and implementing comprehensive water quality management as part of a long-term ecological recovery plan.
In August, the Philippine government formally approved the project’s Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan, officially confirming that LX International had met the stringent environmental restoration standards.
According to LX International, this approval represents a landmark achievement, being the first instance in the Philippines of a mining operator receiving official certification for completing comprehensive environmental rehabilitation after mine closure. It also marks the first time a South Korean company has received formal recognition for restoration efforts at an overseas mining project.
“This commendation serves as a crucial foundation of trust as we pursue the global supply of critical minerals,” stated an LX International official.
The company further stated its plans to expand investments in strategic minerals, including nickel, bauxite, and copper, to further strengthen its global resource portfolio.
