Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is the first mining company in the Philippines to commit to achieving net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050, unveiling plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030.
In a recent report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, NAC said this groundbreaking commitment involves substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies, specifically focusing on integrating market-available hybrid models throughout its mining operations.
NAC’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability includes embracing innovations to minimize its carbon footprint.
Jose Bayani Baylon, Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at NAC, emphasized the significance of their inclusion in the SBTi, stating that it signifies the company’s willingness to undergo scrutiny and adhere to high-level peer pressure.
Baylon described the move as a “first in the Philippine mining industry,” acknowledging the sector’s reputation for being challenging to decrease in terms of emissions.
Nickel Asia Corp. has taken another step by becoming the first Philippine company with mining assets to submit its emissions reduction targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
SBTi, a global organization advocating best practices for emission reduction based on climate science, monitors and ensures that companies adhere to their commitments and timelines.
The firm’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its track record of previous initiatives. In 2016, the company invested Php 1.7 billion in a conveyor belt system at its Taganito mine site in Claver town, Surigao del Norte, resulting in a 96% reduction in fossil fuel usage per wet metric ton.
Moreover, in 2023, NAC acquired two hybrid excavators, each valued at Php 12.34 million, designed to capture and reuse energy wasted during operations.
Demonstrating their ongoing commitment, NAC has ordered an additional nine units for standardized usage this year, amounting to a substantial investment of Php 125.82 million.
