The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has made a statement in defense of the Dinapigue nickel mining project amidst growing concerns and criticism online, stating that claims of deforestation or destruction of the Sierra Madre are “simply not true.”
In a Facebook post on their page, the industry group clarified that the project operated by Dinapigue Mining Corporation has received full approval from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) after a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and extensive consultations with local stakeholders.
“The people of Dinapigue, their local government, as well as national regulators were fully informed of both the risks and the mine project’s opportunities,” the Chamber stated. “After a thorough review… stakeholders all agreed, with strict environmental safeguards in place, that the project could proceed.”
The Chamber highlighted that the mining site is located in a mineral reservation area legally designated by the government—not within a protected forest. It added that the government identified the site for its viable nickel reserves and permitted responsible extraction.
According to the statement, Dinapigue Mining has always committed to minimizing environmental impact through progressive rehabilitation efforts. The company has reportedly planted over 37,000 native trees, with DENR monitoring the rehabilitation as part of its regulatory oversight.
The post also pointed out the project’s socioeconomic benefits, including job creation, education, health services, and long-term development initiatives for the host community. The Chamber asserted that the people of Dinapigue support the mining operation, given the direct benefits they receive.
Calling for a more balanced reporting, the Chamber cautioned against misinformation and emotionally charged narratives online. “Irresponsible reporting and emotional clickbait… risk spreading misinformation and inciting unnecessary outrage,” the group warned.
“Let Dinapigue chart its own future. Let’s support mining done right,” the Chamber concluded.
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