A report by Climate Rights International (CRI) exposed how nickel mining exploration in Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Island in the Caraga Region of Mindanao, Philippines, has damaged the environment due to poor waste management & siltation control, and threatened the livelihoods of the local community through adverse impacts on the water source and fishing areas. The Caraga Region is considered the “nickel hub” of the Philippines. It produced roughly sixty per cent of all nickel mined in the Philippines in 2023.

CRI interviewed 57 respondents living near nickel mines in the Caraga Region and consistently identified three mining projects: San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI), Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp. (OVMPC), and Libjo Mining Corp. (LMC) and its operators (East Coast Vulcan Corp, Vista Buena Mining Corp (VBMC), and Norweah Metals and Mineral Co. Inc) as those whom causing distress and increasing potential disaster risks on the ecosystem in Caraga region.

CRI highlighted one incident in February 2018, when a heavy rainfall event triggered by Tropical Storm Basyang, devastated a village in Barangay Babuyan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, which is located near Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) nickel operation. The report also alleged MMDC polluted the Carac-an River due to its lack of waste management control.

On the allegation of water pollution, MMDC responded, stating that the company monitors air and water quality quarterly through a third party in compliance with the condition under its Environmental Compliance Certificate.

CRI, together with its partner organisation - Empower - also revealed that nickel ores extracted from the Caraga region are imported to several companies based in Hongkong, China, Singapore, and processed as lithium battery for Electronic Vehicles (EV) produced in India.

CRI demands that Philippine authorities review all granted mining permits and encourage mining companies and their supply chains to be held accountable and transparent on their operational impact in the region.

The Business & Human Rights Centre invited East Coast Vulcan Corp Pacific Infinity Resources Limited, Ningbo Lygend Wisdom Co. Ltd., Hongkong Topway Trading Co. Ltd. Anncore Resources Pte. Ltd., Wuchan International Trade, Anncore Resources Pte. Ltd., Octillion Power Systems India Pvt Ltd., and JSW MG Motor India Private Ltd. They did not respond.

San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI), Vista Buena Mining Corp (VBMC), Libjo Mining Corp. (LMC), Norweah Metals and Minerals Co.Inc, Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp, Big Wave Resources Co. Limited, China JK International Trading Co., Hongkong Lyxin International Limited, Spring Treasure Global Ltd, Tian Fang Hongkong Holdings Ltd, Wu Hua Holding Limited, Yuantuo Resources Pte. Ltd, Hua Lu Holdings Pte. Limited, Land Sea Maritime Co. Ltd, Tantong Resources Co. Ltd, Transamine Far East Ltd., Transamine S.A, United Metal And Resources Co Limited, Dingchuang Groups Ltd, Regent Sound Limited (Ltd), and Fortune Metals Inc could not be reached.