Introducing Project Cagayan: Project Overview and Geology

Project Cagayan is the inaugural mining initiative featured on Vero Launchpad, representing a significant milestone in the platform’s goal of connecting real-world resource assets with blockchain-based capital formation. The project has been independently verified through detailed geological surveys, which confirm an estimated 463 million dry metric tonnes (DMT) of high-grade magnetite sand within the designated site. The magnetite’s mineral composition exceeds key benchmarks in global industry standards, supporting the project’s potential for consistent resource yield and sustained market demand.

Located offshore in the Babuyan Channel of Cagayan Valley, Project Cagayan is strategically positioned in one of the Philippines’ most mineral-rich sediment zones. The site benefits from natural sediment replenishment, driven by the extensive drainage system of the Cagayan River and the surrounding mountain ranges. This dynamic geological environment contributes to elevated concentrations of magnetite sand, enhancing the project’s operational viability and positioning it as a globally competitive source of magnetite for industrial applications, including steel production.

The project’s proximity to the Aparri seaport provides significant logistical advantages. With direct access to this port facility, Project Cagayan is able to streamline the transportation of extracted minerals, thereby reducing export-related costs and simplifying global distribution processes. This strategic location also connects the project to key international trade routes, facilitating efficient market access and supporting a scalable resource export model. Combined with its favorable geological profile, Project Cagayan exemplifies a high-potential mining operation backed by both natural resource strength and logistical efficiency.

In addition to its operational and logistical advantages, Project Cagayan is committed to responsible resource extraction and the implementation of robust environmental safeguards. The offshore mining operation adheres to national and international environmental standards, including those outlined by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). Prior to extraction activities, comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) were conducted, resulting in the development of a mitigation plan that addresses potential ecological disruptions. The project employs sediment control systems, marine biodiversity monitoring, and non-intrusive dredging techniques designed to minimize habitat disturbance.

Further, Project Cagayan integrates a reclamation and site rehabilitation strategy, ensuring that any affected marine zones are restored to pre-operational conditions over time. Continuous real-time environmental monitoring is conducted through on-site and satellite-based systems, enabling adaptive management practices to maintain water quality, sediment balance, and ecosystem integrity. By embedding sustainability protocols into each phase of the mining lifecycle, Project Cagayan demonstrates its commitment to balancing economic development with ecological responsibility, setting a standard for environmentally conscious offshore mining.