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Ipilan Nickel Corporation has secured a Certification Precondition (CP) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, gaining the endorsement of the indigenous community in Brooke’s Point to advance its mineral production plans under its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
The CP, a regulatory requirement under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), ensures that Ipilan Nickel Corporation’ (INC) operations respect indigenous peoples’ (IP) ancestral lands.
The company said in statement released Wednesday that the approval followed a thorough vetting process and the consent of the BICAMM community, which includes indigenous members from the barangays of Barong-Barong, Ipilan, Calasaguen, Aribungos, Maasin, and Mambalot—all with ancestral claims in INC’s mining area.
INC’s path to securing the CP involved multiple community consultations, where it presented its operational plans and potential impacts on ancestral lands.
“The process began with community meetings, where INC laid out its plans and explained the possible impact on ancestral lands, which helped build trust and open communication among all parties,” it said.
INC explained that the approval process, however, spanned an extensive period due to prolonged consultations and legal steps.
“Despite the challenges, initial disagreements, and misunderstandings, INC stayed committed and worked closely with the indigenous groups to resolve their concerns and find common ground,” INC added.
The company explained that a significant factor in securing the CP was the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) process, which began on April 28, 2022, when INC submitted its letter of intent to the NCIP.
Consultative assemblies followed, allowing indigenous groups to voice their views directly. By the end of these engagements, INC had obtained the support it needed, extending its MPSA from 2025 to 2050.
Even before obtaining the CP, INC allocated millions of pesos toward livelihood, education, and healthcare initiatives for Indigenous communities in IP-BICAMM.
It invested ₱2,025,939.80 in livelihood programs and launched the “Hapag Katutubo Project” on September 3, distributing 170 fruit-bearing tree seedlings. The company has also provided employment for 274 indigenous members, surpassing legal employment quotas.
Educational assistance has reached 1,599 students—686 in elementary, 661 in secondary, and 252 in college—with college students receiving ₱5,000 to ₱7,500 per semester. Medical and burial aid for Indigenous communities amounted to ₱1,064,513.27. For 2024, INC will distribute ₱73,875,204.32 in Royalty Shares, and funds include ₱4 million for the IP-BICAMM Tribal Hall and ₱3 million for CADT processing.
INC said its achievement of the CP exemplifies the company’s approach to responsible mining, setting a model for the industry through transparency, respect, and collaboration.
“This success also sets an example for key players in the mining industry by showing that responsible mining is possible and collaboration with community members is achievable through transparency, truthfulness, and mutual respect,” the INC stated.
In August last year, the NCIP in Mimaropa ordered INC to cease its operations, citing its alleged failure to secure the essential CP and FPIC needed to operate in Barangay Maasin.
NCIP Regional Director Dr. Mary Grace Pascua, in a cease and desist order, underscored that Ipilan Nickel Corporation must comply with all mandatory documentation, including royalties.
She pointed out that the company’s 2000 Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) falls under the Philippine Mining Act, or Republic Act No. 7942.