Philippines’ Tampakan Mine: A Copper Project Fueling EV Ambitions and Local Opposition
Koronadal, Philippines – The proposed Tampakan copper mine in Mindanao, Philippines, is emerging as a pivotal project in the nation’s ambitions to become a key supplier of critical minerals for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. However, the project faces staunch opposition from local communities, environmental groups and the Catholic Church, raising questions about its long-term sustainability and social impact.
A Nation’s EV Strategy Hinges on Tampakan
The Philippines aims to leverage its mineral resources, particularly copper, to capitalize on the growing global demand for EVs. The Tampakan mine, one of Southeast Asia’s largest untapped copper deposits, is seen as central to this strategy. A surge in copper prices in 2023, driven by its increasing utility in EV production, has further heightened the project’s allure.
Reports surfaced in 2024 suggesting that Chinalco, a Chinese state-owned metals giant, was considering a stake in the project, potentially valued around US$2 billion. However, no deal has been publicly confirmed as of March 15, 2026. Despite the uncertainty surrounding ownership, visible infrastructure and signage from SMI (SMI), the project developer, suggest imminent progress.
A History of Controversy and Shifting Ownership
The Tampakan mine has been decades in the making, marked by a complex history of ownership changes and regulatory hurdles. Australian firm Glencore withdrew from the project in 2015, citing regulatory uncertainty. Subsequently, control shifted to Indophil Resources Philippines, linked to one of the Philippines’ most powerful business families, the Sy family.
A nationwide ban on open-pit mining, enforced in 2017, initially appeared to doom the project. However, the Duterte administration reversed the ban in 2021, despite a local ban remaining in effect. This reversal provided a new lifeline for Tampakan.
Local Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Despite national government approval, the Tampakan mine remains deeply divisive at the local level. The indigenous Blaan tribe, whose ancestral domain encompasses the proposed mine site, is directly impacted by the project.
Bishop Cirilo Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel in South Cotabato has been a vocal critic of the mine for many years, expressing concerns about the potential for long-term environmental damage. “They will leave a problem of acid mine drainage there in the open pit, in the waste rock facility, in the tailings ponds. It’s a permanent footprint. It’s a perpetual footprint,” Bishop Casicas stated.
Rene Pamplona, program coordinator of the Convergence of Initiatives for Environmental Justice (CIEJ) and national chair of Alyansa Tigil Mina (the Alliance Against Mining in the Philippines), has also long campaigned against the project. He vowed to prevent the mine from operating, stating, “We will not allow them to turn even a single stone in our mountains.”
Concerns extend beyond the immediate mining area. Opponents fear that opening Tampakan will pave the way for further mining operations across the region, threatening watersheds and vital ecosystems. Pamplona warned, “If you open Tampakan, nothing will stop other mining areas from operating as well.”
Broader Environmental Concerns
The Diocese of Marbel declared a state of climate emergency in September 2024, citing concerns about the environmental impact of mining operations, including the proposed Tampakan mine, as well as coal mining and limestone quarrying in the region. Bishop Casicas highlighted the threats to food security, health, and the region’s water supply.
Looking Ahead
The Tampakan copper mine represents a significant opportunity for the Philippines to participate in the global EV supply chain. However, navigating the complex interplay of economic ambitions, environmental concerns, and local opposition will be crucial to determining the project’s ultimate fate. The coming months will likely see continued debate and scrutiny as stakeholders grapple with the long-term implications of this potentially transformative project.