Indigenous peoples and rural communities in the Philippines are facing human rights abuses amid nickel mining expansion, according to a report published by Amnesty International on Thursday.
Amnesty International found that nickel mining in the country has undermined the communities’ right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Amnesty’s business and human rights researcher Alysha Khambay stated: “The Philippine government must suspend these mining operations until it has conducted an urgent investigation into human rights and environmental abuses, while nickel mine operators must put human rights at the centre of their operations.”
The organization found that there were two critical areas impacted by the expansion of nickel mining: the coastal expanse of Santa Cruz in Zambales, Luzon, and Brooke’s Point, the ancestral abode of the Pala’wan Indigenous people on Palawan island. According to the report, local inhabitants raised concerns about deforestation and environmental degradation tied to nickel mining, linking it to adverse health impacts. Residents in both regions have reported a surge in ailments following the initiation of mining operations, including respiratory issues, skin diseases, and irritation. The diminishing water quality has also severely affected livelihoods by impairing fishing activities and crop yields.
The report also underscored the inadequate dissemination of information and the denial of proper consultation with Indigenous and rural communities concerning the human rights and environmental hazards of nickel mining. Despite legal safeguards necessitating meaningful consultations and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for projects impacting Indigenous peoples, Amnesty International said that communities have been sidelined from decision-making processes.
The Philippines stands as the largest global exporter of nickel ore, a pivotal component in lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles and renewable energy storage units. In 2024, the nation ranked as the second-largest producer of mined nickel, boasting 13.4 million metric tons in reserves and resources. Trailing only Indonesia, the Philippines’ production reached 387,000 metric tons in 2024.
The Philippines has long been eyeing a surge in nickel processing capacity, with plans to establish three additional processing plants to bolster downstream industry development and enhance the value of nickel output. Despite the concerns of the local communities, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is spearheading ambitious plans to revamp the country’s nickel and mining industries. The president, for example, has advocated for legislative amendments through a reform bill aimed at revising the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The proposed overhaul would introduce a tiered royalty system based on mine location, ranging from 1.5 percent to 5 percent, with regulators considering environmental factors in permitting new mines.
