The nickel mining industry has invested P4.3 billion last year on initiatives aimed at advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that foster community development and resilience.
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) in a statement yesterday the investments were made through its Environmental Enhancement and Protection, Social Development and Management and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs.
These programs, PNIA said, were implemented in multiple host and neighboring cities and municipalities in seven provinces, including Zambales, Palawan, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Tawi-Tawi, directly benefiting communities surrounding the mining sites of PNIA members.
PNIA’s programs and projects support 15 out of 17 SDGs with focus on Life on Land (SDG 15), No Poverty (SDG 1) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).
“The contributions made in 2023 build on our findings from the 2020 SDG Report, reinforcing our commitment to SDG 15, SDG 1 and SDG 3 which are areas where mining is vital for sustainable development. Each year, we strive to align with sustainability, stewardship and resilience principles to mitigate environmental impacts, alleviate poverty and improve health outcomes for communities near mining operations. These goals are essential for the sustainability of both the environment and the communities we serve,” said Dante Bravo, PNIA president, in the statement.
Bravo said these efforts also promote collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to streamline and maximize the implementation of mining company SDG programs to better complement local initiatives.
“Mining is inherently a temporary use of land, which means collaboration between LGUs, MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) and mining companies is crucial for planning for the future. There is opportunity for further collaboration through maximizing the CSR activities of mining companies to complement the programs of the LGUs in line with their local development goals,” Bravo added.
Under SDG 15, PNIA members’ progressive rehabilitation and other initiatives aim to minimize and mitigate their operations’ impact to the environment. In 2023, members planted over 4.3 million trees in nearly 9, 500 hectares, comprising 76 different species, bringing the total to nearly 18 million trees to date of reporting.
PNIA has partnered with academic institutions like the University of the Philippines Los Baños to foster innovation in forest restoration and bioremediation apart from being involved in coastal clean-ups and river system adoption.
For efforts under SDG 1, PNIA members have focused on uplifting communities through employment, education and infrastructure development. Companies have provided livelihood programs that created job opportunities while also offering educational initiatives through scholarships and improved classroom infrastructure for different school levels.
As support for SDG 3, PNIA members’ health initiatives have delivered essential medical supplies and equipment to underserved communities through medical missions and feeding programs while also upgrading local hospitals’ facilities.
“Investing P4.3 billion in 2023 strengthens local economies and aligns with government directives on the role of mining in promoting national economic development and local community resilience, contributing to improved lives and the building of resilient communities, particularly in remote areas where economic opportunities are limited,” Bravo said.
In addition, PNIA members have also supported the construction and enhancement of public infrastructure, including roads, water facilities and community halls while also facilitating for better access to essential services, enhancing transportation and promotion of economic activities by connecting communities to markets and resources.
