On the emerald shores of Mindanao, the golden glow of mineral reserves promises explosive economic growth for the Philippines. Yet, behind this mineral wealth lies a dark reality: the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples, once protected, are now threatened by the momentum of mining development. While the government aims to make the country a leader in the extraction of transition minerals, the voices of indigenous communities, such as the Lumads, rise to defend their right to self-determination and the preservation of their heritage. This clash between economic prosperity and respect for ancestral rights raises questions about the future of the lands and the peoples who inhabit them.
The island of Mindanao in the Philippines, surrounded by picturesque beaches and covered with volcanoes and gardens of exotic orchids, has been home to the indigenous Lumad peoples for centuries. Starting in 2026, it will become the site of the largest mining project in the Philippines, the Tampakan Copper and Gold Project. This project has sparked strong indigenous resistance, led by activists like Kat Dalon, who fight for their self-determination.
The Philippines, one of the richest countries in minerals in the world, has become a major player in the extraction of essential transition minerals for green energy. As the demand for nickel, copper, gold, and silver increases to support renewable energy solutions, many indigenous lands and biodiversity areas are at risk. More than a quarter of mining-designated lands overlap with biodiversity hotspots, and about half of the mining permits currently being issued “conflict” with these crucial ecological zones.
This intensification of mining has placed indigenous peoples on the front lines of land conflicts and violence. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act enacted in 1997 sought to protect ancestral lands, granting titles to nearly 5 million hectares of indigenous territories. However, bureaucratic hurdles and extractive commercial interests have hindered the enforcement of indigenous land rights.
The link between mining and violence against indigenous communities is alarming. One third of land defenders killed were indigenous people linked to mining conflicts. With around one fifth of the country’s lands already under mining concession, pressure is mounting on governments to reconcile economic expansion with the protection of their indigenous populations and their environment.
mining and its impacts on indigenous lands
The Philippines positions itself as a major player in the extraction of transition minerals, particularly nickel and copper, essential for renewable energy. However, this mining rush has directly threatened the Lumad indigenous lands for decades. Biodiverse lands face large-scale extraction projects, threatening their ecosystems and the ancestral rights of local communities.
challenges for the Lumad peoples
The Lumad community firmly opposes these extraction projects that jeopardize their traditional way of life. Despite theoretical protections from the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, bureaucracy and commercial interests favor mining. The Lumads often find themselves powerless in the face of the destruction of their natural and cultural heritages. Mining development is seen by many as a direct threat to their self-determination and survival.
involvement of the international community
At the global level, organizations like Global Witness raise awareness about the dangers posed by these projects to indigenous peoples. With the increasing demand for critical minerals, the risks of conflict between mining companies and environmental defenders heighten. The role of international institutions is crucial to ensure that the voices of indigenous populations are heard and that their lands are preserved for future generations.
