Japan is dependent on imports of nickel, an indispensable raw material for lithium-ion batteries. The Philippines is the main source of nickel imports, and Japanese companies such as Sumitomo Metal Mining, Pacific Metals, Sojitz and Mitsui have invested in mining and smelting operations at the Rio Tuba mine in Palawan and the Taganito mine in Northern Surigao. FoE Japan has been pointing out the problems of river water pollution, impact on ecosystems, and destruction of indigenous peoples’ livelihoods and cultures in both areas, and has been calling on the Japanese companies involved to solve the underlying problems.

In Rio Tuba, plans are underway to expand mining operations to Mount Brandao, which is adjacent to the existing mining area, and environmental groups and others have warned of the loss of the ecologically rich forest, which is equivalent to a nature reserve under local law. In order to resolve these various issues, the relevant Japanese companies are required to take proactive measures.