Battleground for nickel extraction threatens Philippines' last eco haven

In the heart of the Philippines, Palawan province has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation with the enactment of a 50-year mining moratorium. Governor Dennis Socrates signed the ordinance in March 2025, banning all new mining agreements and exploration permit applications [1][2][3][4].

This decision comes as a response to the threats posed by nickel mining to Palawan's rich biodiversity and local communities. The province, often referred to as the Philippines' "last ecological frontier," is home to nearly half of the country's old-growth forest, 30% of its mangroves, and 40% of its coral reefs [3]. It harbours endemic and endangered species, such as the Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) [1][3][5].

The moratorium aims to halt the expansion of nickel mining, which, through open-pit laterite mining, requires the removal of topsoil and forest vegetation, leading to large-scale deforestation, displacement of wildlife, and lasting ecosystem damage [1][3][4][5]. Local communities also suffer environmental and social consequences, including destruction of forests, increased flooding, siltation harming fisheries and mangroves, and loss of wildlife crucial to local livelihoods and culture [2][5].

Grassroots campaigns, led by environmental groups like the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) and conservationists such as Grizelda Mayo-Anda, have driven the moratorium as a protective measure for both biodiversity and communities [1][5]. However, the moratorium's enforcement remains uncertain due to changes in provincial leadership after the May 2025 elections and potential legal challenges [1][3][4].

The moratorium does not affect existing mining operations or expansions already approved, such as the active large-scale nickel mines. The provincial governing council passed the moratorium unanimously, reflecting strong local resistance to mining despite national government ambitions to increase nickel production for global green technology demand [2][3].

The International Energy Agency has predicted a 65% increase in demand for nickel by the end of the decade. The Philippines, the world's second-largest producer and biggest exporter of nickel, is ramping up operations for nickel mining to support the green energy transition. However, the moratorium in Palawan could significantly slow mining-driven environmental degradation if upheld [1][2][3][4][5].

Greenpeace Philippines has emphasized the need for careful vigilance to ensure the lasting effect of the 50-year moratorium in Palawan. The organisation also calls for critical mineral mining to be controlled to ensure it respects human rights and that alternatives are developed, such as above-ground and recycled minerals [6].

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has argued that a mining ban is "myopic" and limits the country's ability to plan and strategize about its mineral wealth. However, advocates for the moratorium, such as Grizelda Mayo-Anda and Greenpeace Philippines Director Lea Guerrero, have highlighted the need for strict no-go zones, stricter and more rigorous social and environmental due diligence assessments, and respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities [5][6].

Jose Bayani Baylon, senior vice president of Nickel Asia Corp., stated that mining-related impacts are "designed to be temporary" and differ from permanent land conversion such as urban development and agriculture. The company also emphasises that mining activities are subject to strict regulatory frameworks that mandate progressive rehabilitation and reforestation, such as planting 100 trees for every one removed [7].

Despite these assurances, concerns about the impact of nickel mining on wildlife and deforestation remain. The local church has stood against new mining activities due to their environmental and social impacts. The story is related to topics such as Carbon & Climate, Energy, Policy & Finance, and regions such as Global and Philippines [8].

References:

Palawan bans new mining deals
Palawan enacts 50-year mining moratorium
Palawan's rich biodiversity under threat from mining
Palawan's mining moratorium faces uncertainty
Environmentalists push for Palawan mining moratorium
Greenpeace Philippines calls for controlled mining
Nickel Asia Corp. on Palawan mining moratorium
Story published with permission from Thomson Reuters Foundation
The 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan aims to address the threats posed by deforestation caused by nickel mining to the province's biodiversity and local communities.
Palawan, known as the Philippines' "last ecological frontier," is home to nearly half of the country's old-growth forest, 30% of its mangroves, and 40% of its coral reefs.
Issue of biodiversity loss and social impact has been a significant concern in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The moratorium bans all new mining agreements and exploration permit applications, which could potentially slow mining-driven environmental degradation.
The International Energy Agency predicts a 65% increase in demand for nickel by the end of the decade, making it crucial for the Philippines to manage its resources responsibly.
Grassroots campaigns led by groups like the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) and individuals such as Grizelda Mayo-Anda have pushed for the mining ban as a protective measure.
Enforcement of the moratorium remains uncertain due to potential legal challenges and changes in provincial leadership.
Existing mining operations or expansions already approved are not affected by the moratorium.
The need for responsible mining and due diligence assessments, especially in terms of human rights, has been emphasized by organizations like Greenpeace Philippines.
Critical minerals such as nickel play a significant role in the global energy transition, but their extraction can have lasting social and environmental consequences.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines argues against the mining ban, stating that it limits the country's ability to plan and strategize about its mineral wealth.
Advocates for the moratorium, like Grizelda Mayo-Anda and Greenpeace Philippines Director Lea Guerrero, stress the need for strict no-go zones and stricter environmental and social due diligence assessments.
Jose Bayani Baylon, senior vice president of Nickel Asia Corp., states that mining-related impacts are "designed to be temporary" and differ from permanent land conversion such as urban development and agriculture.
The company also emphasizes that mining activities are subject to strict regulatory frameworks that mandate progressive rehabilitation and reforestation.
Concerns about the impact of nickel mining on wildlife and deforestation remain, despite these assurances.
The local church has stood against new mining activities due to their environmental and social impacts.
This story is related to topics such as Carbon & Climate, Energy, Policy & Finance, and regions such as Global and Philippines.
Investing in renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency can help decrease the demand for nickel in the energy transition.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and medical-conditions, exposure to certain pollutants during mining activities can affect skin conditions and general health.
Lifestyle choices can also impact the environment, and consumers can make more sustainable decisions by considering the carbon footprint of their food-and-drink and fashion-and-beauty products.
Home-and-garden and real-estate sectors can contribute to environmental conservation by implementing green building practices and preserving natural habitats.
Technology, especially in the form of gadgets like smartphones and gadgets for gardening, can aid in monitoring deforestation and promoting responsible resource management.
Education-and-self-development, personal-growth, responsible-gambling, and sports can provide avenues for big-wins within career-development, casino-and-gambling, crime-and-justice, learning, politics, and sports spheres, while promoting awareness and action towards mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.