"What Do We Get in Return? How the Philippines Nickel Boom Harms Human Rights", 9 January 2025

The report titled "What Do We Get in Return? How the Philippines Nickel Boom Harms Human Rights" published by Amnesty International investigates the human rights abuses and environmental impacts associated with nickel mining operations in the Philippines, focusing on the regions of Santa Cruz in Zambales and Brooke’s Point in Palawan. The research, conducted between September 2023 and October 2024, examines the extent to which local communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, have been informed and consulted about mining projects, highlighting significant deficiencies in access to information, meaningful engagement, and adherence to the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). The report underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in the mining sector to protect the rights and well-being of affected communities in the context of the extraction of minerals for the energy transition.

Key findings: 

Issues related to public participation: 

While environmental impact assessments (EISs) are required under Philippine law, Amnesty found in the Santa Cruz limited documentation available, with only two of the four mining companies responding to requests for information. Public consultations were often restricted to immediate project areas, excluding downstream communities that experience environmental impacts. Many residents reported not being adequately informed about the mining projects, with companies emphasizing potential benefits while downplaying long-term risks. Communities lacked access to vital documents, independent advice, and meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

In the Brooke's Point, Amnesty found significant gaps in the implementation of the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process for nickel mining projects in Palawan, particularly affecting the Pala’wan Indigenous People, whose decision making processes was disregarded, with companies allegedly choosing favourable individuals from the community to vote in favour of their project. Community members also expressed frustration over the lack of access to critical documents such as Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and clear maps of project boundaries. Requests for these documents during consultations were often denied or ignored, leaving community members unable to fully understand the potential impacts of mining projects. Companies emphasized benefits while downplaying or omitting negative effects, and the short timeframe for consultations limited meaningful participation.

Moreover, Amnesty also found that mining companies allegedly used bribes, coercion, and selective inclusion of pro-mining individuals to influence the FPIC with community members and public officers reporting of alleged monetary offers as well as threats.

Adverse impacts of mining: 

In Santa Cruz, Amnesty found that nickel activities had allegedly caused significant water contamination, turning clear water sources into reddish-brown due to nickel laterite sediment, which has impacted agriculture, fisheries, and local livelihoods. Despite company claims of implementing mitigation measures, community members and local officials reported worsening water quality, increased flooding due to deforestation and erosion, and farmland rendered unusable.

In Palwana, mining operations have have severely impacted the livelihoods of the Pala’wan Indigenous People, as well as farmers who report reduced crop yields due to polluted rivers, farmland contamination with nickel laterite, and dust from mining activities. Flash floods, exacerbated by deforestation, have devastated farmlands, leaving many farmers seeking financial compensation. Meanwhile, fishing and lobster farming have been disrupted by murky waters caused by laterite sediment, noise, and infrastructure development like a jetty constructed without community consent. Many residents, including lobster farmers, reported significant income losses.

Communities both from Santa Clara and Brooke's Point have also reported an alleged significant decline in the availability and quality of water for drinking, domestic use, and irrigation. Residents report springs and wells drying up and water sources becoming contaminated with sediments, Community members have expressed concerns about health risks, the loss of accessible clean water, and disruptions to daily life, particularly for women and children.

The investigation also identified communities in Santa Cruz and Brooke’s Point informed experiencing health issues, including respiratory problems, skin diseases, and eye and throat irritation, since nickel mining operations began in their areas. These concerns, possibly linked to pollution from mining activities, such as dust and heavy metal contamination in air, water, and soil. Despite assurances from mining companies about adhering to environmental standards, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest rising health risks, including a tripling of respiratory illnesses. Indigenous communities also face restricted access to traditional lands and herbal medicines, further exacerbating health impacts.

Recommendations and conclusions

The cases of nickel mining in Santa Cruz and Brooke’s Point highlight the urgent need for genuine consultation with affected communities and addressing their concerns. They also underscore the human rights and environmental risks of unchecked resource extraction for the energy transition.

The Philippine government must urgently investigate documented harms, ensure accountability, and suspend operations where violations have occurred until genuine consultations are conducted, remedies provided, and environmental risks resolved. For Indigenous Peoples, projects must secure free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Where consent is withheld, operations must cease.

Nickel mining companies should halt operations until they prove their activities are safe, respect human rights, and protect the environment. They must conduct ongoing due diligence, engage meaningfully with communities, and provide remedies for harms caused.

Key Recommendations:

• Philippine Government: Ensure mining activities do not harm human rights or the environment. Conduct thorough investigations, strengthen oversight, and apply the Precautionary Principle for environmental risks.
• Companies: Suspend harmful operations, ensure meaningful consultations, respect Indigenous Peoples’ FPIC rights, and address documented abuses with adequate remedies.
• Downstream Companies: Conduct supply chain due diligence, disclose risks, and take remedial action for any human rights violations.

Amnesty's full report can be accessed here.