Ipilan Nickel appeals NCIP order halting Palawan mining

Ipilan Nickel Corp., a subsidiary of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., is appealing for the swift withdrawal of a cease-and-desist order issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) that halted its mining operations in Palawan.

The NCIP ordered Ipilan Nickel and its predecessor, Celestial Nickel Mining Exploration Corp., to stop operations within five days due to alleged failure to secure necessary certifications and free, prior, and informed consent from indigenous communities.

Ipilan Nickel expressed deep concern over the order, citing its efforts to address royalty payments and its partnership with local indigenous groups.

Residents and indigenous communities in Palawan have strongly opposed mining activities at Brooke's Point, alleging damage to forests and ancestral domains, which prompted NCIP’s decision.