Hallmark Mining Corporation (HMC) has set aside at least P20 million each year to support Indigenous Peoples (IP) through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), providing legally mandated royalties and benefits that include scholarships, basic services, water systems, and road maintenance.
The mining firm said its initiatives also cover agriculture, education, healthcare, livelihood programs, and local employment, aiming to create lasting community benefits beyond the life of the mine. HMC emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, skills training, and alternative livelihood programs to ensure long-term self-sufficiency for host communities.
Nickel from Mati is increasingly feeding into the global supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems, underscoring the Philippines’ growing role in the clean energy transition.
HMC has supplied nickel laterite ore to processing hubs in China and Indonesia between 2022 and 2025. The material is used in EV batteries and energy storage systems, sectors that contribute to global decarbonization.
Once primarily valued for stainless steel production, nickel has become a key component in EV battery technology. The Philippines ranked as the world’s second-largest nickel producer in 2023, producing roughly 330,000 metric tons, mostly from laterite deposits.
HMC said its operations adhere to government-approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) and comply with Department of Environment and Natural Resources standards for erosion control, watershed monitoring, dust management, land rehabilitation, and native tree planting, reflecting its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable community development.
