renewable energy

At a time when smartphones, renewable batteries, and electric vehicles dominate everyday life, nickel has become one of the most essential yet least appreciated elements in the global shift toward sustainability.

And in this global story, Mati is now part of the mining ecosystem that supplies —thanks to Hallmark Mining Corporation, whose responsible extraction of nickel laterite ore is helping power the world’s transition to clean energy while uplifting the community it calls home.

Nickel From Mati: Fueling a Cleaner Future

Nickel, once prized mainly for strengthening stainless steel, is now indispensable in electric vehicle (EV) battery production. As nations race to decarbonize, demand for battery-grade nickel continues to surge.

By 2040, experts anticipate that EVs and renewable energy systems will be everyday norms—and the Philippines, rich in nickel laterite deposits, is positioned to help meet this global demand.

The Philippines is already the world’s second-largest producer of nickel, extracting about 330,000 metric tons in 2023 alone.

Hallmark Mining Corporation contributes to this output through responsible operations under government-authorized MPSAs, managing the Pujada Nickel Project in partnership with Austra-Asia Link Mining.

From 2022 to 2025, Hallmark’s extracted nickel laterite ores from Mati have made its way to China and Indonesia, where they became part of the EV battery supply chain.

Nickel mined in Mati helps power electric vehicles worldwide.

But behind the numbers lies a deeper, more hopeful story — one grounded not only in global progress, but in community upliftment and environmental care.

A Mining Operation Grounded in Responsibility

Hallmark’s significance isn’t measured only in the tonnage it exports. It is measured in the values it upholds — foremost among them, responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and a deep commitment to local communities.

They strictly comply with DENR standards, implementing erosion control, runoff systems, and continuous environmental monitoring to safeguard rivers, watersheds, and protected areas.

As spokesperson Jose Butch Sebua explains:

“The overall scope of our environmental protection plan covers key aspects of air, water, land, and biodiversity. We conduct dust monitoring, river and watershed monitoring, as well as topsoil and land rehabilitation. We also carry out native tree planting even beyond the Mati Protected Area, as part of the partnership between the DENR and the company,” Sebua said.

A Community That Grows with the Mine

Beyond environmental care, Hallmark places great emphasis on community development. Through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), the company assists communities by supporting agriculture, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Local residents are prioritized in hiring, ensuring that host communities directly benefit from the mining operation.

One of them, Richard Ching, has served as Hallmark’s Warehouse Man since 2007.

For him, the company’s presence has changed livelihoods across Mati: “Since the mining operations commenced, many locals have been hired. In the past, livelihood opportunities were scarce, fishing wasn’t very productive, and most people were only doing menial jobs. So, for me, Hallmark has really contributed to our economic stability,” Cheng explained.

Hallmark’s commitment also extends to Indigenous Peoples communities,

who receive their legally mandated share of the company’s proceeds:

“The Indigenous Peoples community receives a royalty share from the company’s proceeds from the sale of nickel. In addition, the company is required to implement a Social Development Management Program funded with atleast 20 million pesos annually. This includes assistance to IPs, scholarships, basic support, water systems, and road repairs,” Sabua explained.

These programs strengthen local economies, improve access to education, support agriculture, and create lasting opportunities, ensuring that progress is shared by all.

Through initiatives ranging from school buses and solar power systems to scholarships, Hallmark demonstrates that it is more than just a mining corporation—it is a committed steward of community progress.

Building a Legacy That Endures

Hallmark understands that mining is temporary — but the community and the environment are not. Because of this, the company openly engages with government agencies, Indigenous Peoples, the academe, and residents to maintain trust and continuously improve practices.

Through the years, Hallmark has continued its mission to uplift the lives of the community by supporting education, strengthening cooperatives, and promoting local industry through training and assistance—helping ensure that the community can become self-sufficient.

The company wants its legacy to last long after its operations end.

As Sedua emphasizes:

“Basically, we want to contribute to the cross-community development.  That before Hallmark leaves, the people will be able to benefit from the mining proceeds. We would rehabilitate the disturbed area and to finds alternative livelihood for the locals, so that when the mining operations ceases, the community will still have their secondary livelihood income.” Sedua said.

This vision reflects a hopeful, community-centered approach to mining — one that seeks not just to extract resources, but to leave behind stronger, more resilient communities.

Mati’s Nickel, the World’s Future

From Mati’s mountains to the production lines of electric vehicles around the globe, Hallmark’s nickel becomes part of clean technologies that define a sustainable future.

But beyond the batteries it powers, its impact is seen more profoundly in the community it helps uplift and the environment it works to protect.

Hallmark Mining Corporation shows that responsible mining is not only possible — it can be transformative.

Through ethical operations, environmental protection, and strong community collaboration, Hallmark demonstrates how a Philippine mining company can meaningfully contribute to global clean energy while nurturing the place it calls home.

From Mati to the world, nickel carries a hopeful message: Progress can be shared. Technology can be green. And communities can rise alongside the industries that surround them.