Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), the operating arm in Surigao of leading nickel ore producer Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (PSE: FNI), has been honored with the Best Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program award at the Water Summit 2025 held on June 27 in Quezon City.
Organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Water Summit 2025 brought together key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase innovation and sustainable practices in water quality management and ecosystem rehabilitation. This year’s theme, “Community-Led Rehabilitation and Multi-Sector Partnerships: Empowering Communities through the Adopt-an-Estero Program,” spotlighted initiatives demonstrating long-term environmental impact.
PGMC stood out as one of only two mining sites recognized—and the sole nickel mining company to receive this distinction—underscoring its industry leadership in environmental stewardship. The award acknowledged PGMC’s more than decade-long commitment to rehabilitating and protecting the Kinalablaban River in Claver, Surigao del Norte, under the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program (AEWBP).
Key rehabilitation efforts included river cleanups, riverbank stabilization through boulder linings, revegetation with over 30,000 hills of indigenous plants and bamboo, waste segregation and recycling initiatives in partnership with the LGU, and regular water quality monitoring. These interventions revived an ecologically healthier river environment, leading to restored river flow, improved water quality, and enhanced vegetation.
The initiative provided the local community with a functional river ecosystem, reinforced PGMC’s role in driving environmental care, and highlighted its strong alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and commitment to responsible mining.
This recognition affirms PGMC’s commitment to go beyond compliance and lead by example in protecting natural resources. FNI is currently exploring program replication in other operational areas as it continues fulfilling its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
