The Philippines metals industry has vowed to fight a clampdown by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government that would shut more than half the country’s mines and slash nickel ore shipments from the world’s largest exporter. 

The crackdown over alleged breaches of environmental and welfare rules branded mining companies “villains” and risked breaching contracts the administration had previously agreed with them, the main mining industry body warned. 

The squeeze on the companies is supported by Mr Duterte and has pushed world nickel prices higher, because the Philippines accounts for about a quarter of global mined supplies of the metal used in stainless steel. The crackdown is also notable as the first serious dispute between the outspoken president and domestic industry, in an economy that has been posting some of the highest growth rates in Asia. 

Artemio Disini, chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, told reporters…that the sector would first appeal to Mr Duterte to overturn the ban and then move “to the courts” if necessary…