Philippine nickel miners operating in Palawan said they have planted more than 9 million trees as of end-2025, as the industry sought to reinforce its environmental credentials amid renewed scrutiny over mining-related tree-cutting permits.
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), whose members include some of the country’s largest nickel producers, said the reforestation efforts were part of broader environmental programs covering watershed protection, mangrove enhancement, biodiversity conservation, and the rehabilitation of disturbed mining areas.
The industry group said mining companies in the Philippines remain among the country’s most heavily regulated sectors, subject to oversight from agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Environmental Management Bureau, and local monitoring bodies.
“Responsible mining companies must be measured not only by compliance, but also by the tangible outcomes of their environmental programs,” PNIA said in a statement.
Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, mining firms are required to allocate between 3% and 5% of direct mining costs annually for Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP), while also maintaining rehabilitation trust funds and contributing to mine closure and decommissioning funds.
PNIA said member companies often exceed mandatory rehabilitation and reforestation requirements by undertaking additional environmental and community-based sustainability initiatives.
The statement comes amid recent public discussions over tree-cutting permits linked to mining projects in Palawan, one of the Philippines’ most environmentally sensitive and mineral-rich provinces.
PNIA said permits issued by the DENR undergo regulatory review and carry obligations covering reforestation, rehabilitation, and environmental management. It added that mining contractors may cut trees within their contract areas only when necessary for operations and subject to forestry laws and regulations.
The group said it would continue working with regulators, local governments, and host communities to strengthen environmental safeguards in mining areas.
The Philippines is among the world’s top nickel ore suppliers and a major source of material used in stainless steel production and electric vehicle batteries.