RTG Mining Inc. said Oct. 12 that its Mt. Labo Exploration & Development Corp. unit secured a two-year exploration permit renewal for the Mabilo copper-gold-magnetite project from the Philippines' Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The Philippines in July lifted a two-year moratorium on approving mining exploration permits but kept a ban on new mining operations.

The Australia- and Canada-listed copper explorer previously secured a controlling interest in Central Exploration Pty, Ltd., the joint venture partner of the landowners of the Panguna copper-gold mine in the Bougainville region of Papua New Guinea.