Various media reports (linked below) cited human rights and environmental concerns on the mining and sourcing of nickel in Rio Tuba, Palawan, Philippines. Among the concerns are as follows:

• The mine poses “predictable adverse consequences for the food production capacity of both indigenous and migrant farmers communities” living in the area;
• Risk of landslides is likely to increase;
• Unsafe levels of hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing chemical is present in one river near the mine;
• Locals are “experiencing an uptick in coughs and other respiratory issues, as well as skin lesions”;
• Evidence shows irregularities in the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding in obtaining free, prior and informed consent;
• Tribal leaders in Rizal oppose the expansion of the Rio Tuba mine.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited mining companies Nickel Asia Corp. and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation, as well as alleged buyers Panasonic, Tesla, and Toyota. Only Sumitomo (with Coral Bay) and Panasonic responded. Their responses are linked below.