Mati, Davao Oriental – Local anti-mining opposition expressed no surprise to the reported amicable settlement between the mining giant BHP Billiton and its partner Asiaticus Management Corporation (AMCOR) in order to start the multi-billion dollar Pujada (Hallmark) Nickel Project as soon as possible.

“We know they will end up together again, and make it appear that their amicable settlement is a positive development in the history of mining industry and that it would spell progress in the province and in the region. But no maneuverings can shield these greedy companies from the relentless opposition of the communities and advocates” said Erwin Quinones of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC-KsK/FoE Phil)

Local leaders belonging to the Macambol Multi-Sectoral Association for Integral Development (MMSAID) also said that “the breakthrough in the negotiation between two warring mining companies has not surprised us for we are certain that sooner or later they will kiss and make up to start the biggest nickel operation in our region”.

Barangay Macambol in Mati, Davao Oriental is the site of the Pujada Nickel Project. Residents opposed to the project launched a campaign against the project and eventually formed MMSAID.

“In a unified and steadfast voice we reiterate our position against mining and other extractive industries like the Pujada Nickel Project” the MMSAID statement further said.

The group argues that the project site “happens to be the most important life source for marginalized farmers, fisher folks, both settlers and lumads in the vicinity and surrounding the Pujada bay and the Hamiguitan Range”.

MMSAID fears that “the start of nickel mining operation which will follow after the BHP Billiton/AMCOR reconciliation is the start of the countdown to our doomsday. Trees will have to go as mountains are levelled and boulders unearthed to extract nickel.”

In a separate joint statement, the Interfaith Movement for Peace, Empowerment and Development, Incorporated (IMPEDE) and Luwas Kinaiyahan (LK), an inter-municipal environmental alliance reiterated their “support to the struggle of MMSAID to stop nickel mining within the protected areas of Mati and neighboring municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso, all of Davao Oriental”

LK chair Dr Cirilo R.Valles also expressed no surprise to the reported settlement but promised that they “will remain staunch in our advocacy to stop any form of extractive industries in Davao Oriental, now that the threat to life due to climate change has raised to its catastrophic level”

IMPEDE on the other hand vows to “continue to support every effort of farmers and fisherfolks who come to the open to oppose Pujada Nickel Project and all forms of destructive industries”.