Mati city: A nickel mining firm in Mati City, through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), has provided the Indigenous Peoples (IP) with legally mandated royalties and benefits from programs worth at least PHP20 million annually, including scholarships, basic services, water systems, and road repairs. In a statement Thursday, the Hallmark Mining Corporation (HMC) highlighted their ongoing commitment to supporting agriculture, education, healthcare, scholarships, and livelihoods in host communities, with a focus on local employment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the firm emphasized that while mining activities are temporary, the gains for the community should be enduring. The company focuses on rehabilitation, skills training, and alternative livelihoods to ensure long-term self-sufficiency for the communities involved. This initiative coincides with the global supply chain integration of nickel mined in Mati, now contributing to the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems, marking the Philippines' growing influence in the clean energy transition.
The nickel extracted from Mati's mineral-rich terrain is playing a significant role in driving a cleaner global future. It is also strengthening local communities by operating under government-approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs). From 2022 to 2025, HMC has been supplying nickel laterite ore to processing hubs in China and Indonesia. These materials are crucial for manufacturing EV batteries and energy storage systems, key sectors in worldwide decarbonization efforts.
Nickel, historically valued for its application in stainless steel, has now become essential in the production of EV batteries. The Philippines emerged as the world's second-largest nickel producer in 2023, with an output of about 330,000 metric tons, primarily sourced from laterite deposits.
HMC assures that their operations prioritize responsible mining and community development. They comply fully with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources standards, which cover erosion control, watershed monitoring, dust management, land rehabilitation, and native tree planting.
