Nickel Asia Corp. subsidiary Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) has partnered with local weavers in its mining community in Sitio Campandan in Hinatuan Island in Surigao del Norte to produce 5,000 “jobo pots,” or seedling pots made from ‘pandan dagat’, worth Php 25,000.
According to a Philippine Star report, the project is part of the mining company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to contribute to the government’s goal of reducing plastic waste.
HMC resident mine manager Francis Arañes said that 40% of their seedling pots are “jobo pots” and the company plans to increase it to at least 80% before the end of 2023.
HMC Environment manager Jomer Tiamson stated that the use of jobo pots as seeding pots is economically practical as they are biodegradable and give the seedlings higher chances of survival.