Making remote work
Life at a remote mine site can mean long days and considerable time away from family and friends. Jeanette Villanueva has found her own way to make the most of it through independence, strong relationships and an active life outside work.
“Healthy body, healthy mind,” as the old saying goes, and in the case of Jeanette Villanueva, it could hardly ring more true. Villanueva is a warehouse coordinator for Sandvik, which acts as a subcontractor to Filminera Resources Corporation, operator of the Masbate Gold Project in the Philippines. Located on Masbate Island, and covering roughly 130 km², it is the largest operating gold mine in the country.
As the sole Sandvik representative on site, it is Villanueva’s responsibility to ensure that operations run smoothly, with the right parts available at the right time for the advanced mining equipment in operation, including eight units of DP1500i surface drill rigs.
When not at work, she strives to keep herself in the best possible mental and physical condition so that she can perform at her best when she is. Much of what enables her to perform at a high level, she says, comes from what she does outside of work.
“I enjoy socializing with my colleagues and staying active. That means mainly going to the gym and playing badminton,” she says. “The gym has taught me discipline, and badminton helps me stay focused and sharp.”
Badminton has been a constant throughout her life and is something she enjoys both as a form of exercise as well as a social activity.
“I started playing during elementary school and continued in high school,” she says. “Here at the site, they also organize events and competitions and there are many skilled players. It’s also something my friends and I do socially after work.”
A sense of independence
Working six-day weeks and living in a camp away from her home and family, Villanueva has learned how to balance independence with community to create a life that many working at mining sites around the world will recognize.
I take great pride in representing Sandvik here. Even though I work independently, I stay closely connected with my colleagues through constant communication. That keeps me aligned and I’m well supported.
Her job is closely aligned with her academic background. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Villanueva sees a clear link between her studies and her day-to-day work. Planning, organization, and resource management are essential tools she uses daily to ensure uninterrupted operations on site.
Looking further ahead, Villanueva sees her current position as a useful foundation for her future career. While she is open to where it may lead, she is particularly interested in the possibility of moving into sales, where she can combine her technical knowledge with customer interaction.
“This role is a good starting point,” she says. “I can use both my degree and my experience here as a reference for future opportunities.”
Keeping operations running
Her role at the Masbate Gold Project extends well beyond traditional warehouse responsibilities. Alongside managing inventory and ensuring critical parts are always available for maintenance, she also handles customer service tasks, from quotations and purchase orders to delivery tracking and invoicing.
“Having this responsibility has given me a stronger understanding of customer needs and strengthened my ability to respond quickly and effectively. And working closely with customers has really helped me improve both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction,” she explains.
Family ties
Beyond her work environment, her family remains a central part of her life. As the youngest of five siblings, she values her time at home, even if visits are limited.
“My family lives about three hours away from the mine site, so I go home on my day off. Whenever I feel like I need to refresh my mind, I like to spend time with them, because it helps me reset and stay motivated,” she says.
Ensuring that Sandvik operations at the mine run smoothly while she enjoys a fulfilling lifestyle away from it, is central to Villanueva’s sense of well-being and future ambitions.
“What truly drives me is my purpose,” she says. “I’m doing this not just for myself, but for my family and for the future I want to build. It’s what keeps me grounded, focused and motivated every day.”