Philippines: Mindoro Resources-01/Jabonga

Date Filed
16 Sep 2011
Status
Closed
Phase
Compliance
Country
Philippines

Case Tracker

Eligibility
Eligibility
Assessment
Transferred
Assessment
Dispute Resolution
Compliance
Appraisal
Closed
CURRENT Status
Appraisal (COMPLIANCE)
Closed

Complaint Overview

Complainant

Mamanwa communities with consent of traditional leadership, and support from local and international NGOs

Concerns

Cultural heritage, ancestral lands, natural resources (forests, land, and water), information disclosure, and community consultation

Cross-Cutting Issues
Risk Management Indigenous Peoples Cultural Heritage Land Water Coercion Loss of Livelihoods

Project Information

Region
East Asia & the Pacific
Institution
IFC
Name & Number
Mindoro Resources 26987
Company
Mindoro Resources Ltd.
Sector
Mining, Oil, Gas and Chemicals
Department
Other
Category
B
Commitment

$9.5 million equity investment

Synopsis

Complaint

Mindoro Resources Ltd (MRL), a junior mining company headquartered in Canada, plans to build an exploration and mining company in the Philippines with focus on nickel, copper and gold.  Mindoro’s primary asset is the 75% interest in the Agata nickel laterite deposit on the Northern Mindanao Island of the Philippines.  IFC is supporting the company’s resource drilling, feasibility and other studies, and exploration activities for nickel, copper and gold prospects with an approx $9.5 million equity investment.

In September 2011, two indigenous communities filed a complaint to the CAO.  The two communities belong to the ethno-linguistic group of Mamanwas and live in the settlements of Dinarawan and Bunga. Their concerns relate to areas within the Tapian Extension EP.  The complainants voice concerns that IFC failed to acknowledge them as Indigenous People and claim that the company’s mining exploration is being conducted in their ancestral lands. The complainants also contend that MRL did not provide sufficient informationc and contend the extent and quality of consultations with the communities; activities being conducted without prior consent; undue influence on the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent process; and concerns regarding potential social and environmental impacts of future mining activities in contested areas.

Action

The CAO found the complaint eligible for further assessment in September 2011 and a CAO Ombudsman team traveled to the field in December 2011 and February 2012 to meet with relevant parties to discuss available options for addressing the issues. 

During the assessment process, the CAO understood from community members that pursuing a dispute resolution process was not an option at this point in time. Given the voluntary nature of a dispute resolution process, the CAO Ombudsman concluded its involvement in the case and released an assessment report, which is available in English and Bisaya (see View Documents below). 

In line with CAO's Operational Guidelines, the complaint was transferred to CAO Compliance for appraisal in May 2012 to determine whether or not an audit of IFC’s role in the project was merited.

CAO's appraisal report, completed October 2012, found indications of shortcomings with regard to IFC’s environmental and social performance. In particular, the CAO has questions as to (a) how IFC ensured the project area of influence was appropriately defined; (b) IFC’s risk categorization; and (c) IFC’s supervision.

More generally, CAO finds that this case raises issues on the effectiveness of IFC’s policies, procedures and standards in managing undefined downstream risks in early stage mining ventures. Furthermore, CAO questions whether IFC policies and procedures provide sufficient guidance to staff in responding to complaints.

As the immediate impact of MRL’s operations on the complainants was mitigated by the MRL’s decision to suspend exploration operations in the contested area, and IFC’s legal leverage with regards to resuming operations, CAO finds limited value in conducting a compliance audit at present. However, CAO reserves the right to reconsider this decision should operations resume in a manner that raises significant concerns regarding impacts on communities or the environment.

Status

The appraisal report is available at the links below in English. The case was closed October 2012.

Case Documents

  • Complaint
    Complaint Letter from Alyansa Tigil Mina
    Sep 16, 2011
    English
    Complaint Letter from Alyansa Tigil Mina
    Assessment Report(s)
    CAO Ombudsman Assessment Regarding Community and Civil Society Concerns
    May 01, 2012
    English
    CAO Ombudsman Assessment Regarding Community and Civil Society Concerns
    CAO Ombudsman Assessment Regarding Community and Civil Society Concerns
    May 01, 2012
    Bisaya
    CAO Ombudsman Assessment Regarding Community and Civil Society Concerns
    IFC Response to CAO Ombudsman Assessment Report
    May 09, 2012
    English
    IFC Response to CAO Ombudsman Assessment Report
  • Compliance

    Appraisal Report(s)
    CAO Compliance Appraisal of IFC
    Oct 02, 2012
    English
    CAO Compliance Appraisal of IFC
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