We are proud to share that Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) has won the top award at the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA) in Vientiane, Laos, under the Best Practices in Distribution category!
This marks HMC’s second AMA recognition, after earning 2nd runner-up at the 3rd AMA.
The ASEAN Mineral Awards honour mining and mineral-processing companies across Southeast Asia that champion environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable mineral development.
At the awards ceremony in Vientiane, HMC was recognised for its outstanding distribution practices — from mining, ore handling, logistics and export — and how those practices are aligned with international best practices in sustainability and corporate governance. According to reports, this is HMC’s second recognition following its 2nd runner-up finish in 2023 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
“HMC’s continuous pursuit of excellence in distribution practices has solidified its position as a leader in the mining industry, further enhancing its reputation for corporate responsibility, efficiency, and sustainability,” said NAC Senior Vice President and HMC Resident Mine Manager Francisco Aranes Jr. said as in quoted in reports.
The victory also contributes to the wider achievements of HMC’s parent group, Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC). This win marks the fourth AMA award earned by the NAC Group since the program’s launch in 2017.
About HMC and Its Operations
HMC–Tagana-an is one of six mining subsidiaries of the NAC Group. It is located on Hinatuan Island in Barangay Talavera, municipality of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, operating within the Surigao Mineral Reservation.
Its core activities focus on the export of nickel laterite ores — saprolite and limonite ore — under Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) No. 246-2007-XIII (SMR), approved July 25, 2007, covering some 773.77 hectares or 10.01% of Tagana-an’s land area.
Recent published data show that for 2023, HMC had a gross output of 760,448 dry metric tons of nickel-iferous ore, valued at approximately PhP 1.81 billion, and exported 1,638,310 wet metric tons of ore valued at about US$39.96 million
In community and environmental programs, HMC has also made significant efforts: for example, as of December 2022 the company reported planting 2,888,261 seedlings across more than 969 hectares of mined-out and other areas, reaffirming its rehabilitation commitments.
Why the Award Matters
Winning the AMA under the “Best Practices in Distribution” category signals that HMC not only meets regulatory requirements but is adopting higher-level practices in logistics, traceability, sustainability framework, and stakeholder engagement.
In a region where mining is increasingly scrutinised for environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, this kind of recognition helps bolster HMC’s credibility among regulators, communities, investors and partners.
Moreover, as demand for nickel grows globally (especially for energy transition technologies), ensuring responsible mining and distribution practices becomes ever more critical. HMC’s recognition demonstrates its readiness to operate at that higher standard.
Forward-Looking Statement
With this award, HMC is positioning itself not just as a regional player, but as a mining enterprise aligned with international best practices. The company’s leadership stated their intention to build on this achievement, further enhancing their environmental rehabilitation, community engagement programs, and operational transparency.
The mining sector in the Philippines and Southeast Asia faces increasing expectations: companies must consistently deliver not only minerals, but also positive contributions to local communities and the environment.
