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Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back on mining
- In March 2025, Palawan's governing council unanimously approved a five-decade ban on issuing any new permits for mining activities amid growing environmental worries and a surge in mineral extraction.
- The moratorium followed Manila lifting a nine-year mining license ban in 2021, triggering expansions despite growing local opposition over deforestation and ecosystem damage.
- Between 2001 and 2024, Palawan experienced a reduction of 219,000 hectares in its forest area, largely driven by mining activities, which has contributed to severe flooding events that endanger Indigenous communities' livelihoods.
- Councillor Ryan Maminta said the moratorium already halted one expansion, while critic Nieves Rosento called responsible mining “just a catchphrase” citing ongoing royalty issues.
- Supporters hope the moratorium will slow mining, but expansions at Rio Tuba and Ipilan mines continue amid legal challenges and doubts about Indigenous benefit distribution.
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Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back as nickel mining threatens forests, Indigenous land
BROOKE'S POINT (Philippines), July 2 — A nickel stockpile towers over farmer Moharen Tambiling’s rice paddy in the Philippines’ Palawan, evidence of a mining boom that locals hope a new moratorium will tame. “They told us before the start of their operations that it wouldn’t affect us, but the effects are undeniable now,” Tambiling told AFP. “Pangolins, warthogs, birds are disappearing. Flowers as well.” A biodiversity hotspot, Palawan also hold…
·Selangor, Malaysia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources47
Leaning Left4Leaning Right12Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Right
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Right
48% Right
L 16%
C 36%
R 48%
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