Major win for Philippine campaigners as UK-linked gold mining project grinds to a halt

Campaigners in the northern Philippine town of Dupax del Norte say they have successfully halted plans for a controversial gold mining project. UK-listed Metals Exploration Plc had been leading the project. Billionaire Reform treasurer Nick Candy was the company’s largest shareholder as of March 2026.

The proposed surface mine had faced sustained opposition from residents, environmental groups and politicians. They argued it would cause significant environmental damage and disrupt local livelihoods. The campaign also drew support from UK-based activists, who staged a protest outside the company’s London headquarters in January.

Metals Exploration, in which Candy holds a 22% stake, has not formally announced the project’s suspension. However, chief executive Darren Bowden indicated the company would not proceed in comments made towards the end of a corporate video published on 6 February:

We don’t want to cause stability issues in communities. Dupax at this stage is not a mining-friendly environment, not somewhere where we can move quickly.

The development follows a separate announcement that the company intends to close its Runruno Gold Project by the end of 2026, after years of local opposition and environmental concerns.

Helen Brewer, of International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines Britain, said campaigners welcomed the pause but remained cautious:

We are glad that the mining project has stopped but we remain vigilant that it may start again. This has happened before in nearby towns.

We want Metals Exploration and its shareholders, including Mr Candy, to understand that we will not give up our campaign to protect our land and community.

Brewer added:

Given the presence of Metals Exploration at multiple mining locations in the region, we urge UK stakeholders and regulators to strengthen oversight of the environmental and social impacts of UK-linked mining investments abroad.

Since February, Metals Exploration’s subsidiary, Yamang Mineral Corporation, has been pursuing an exploration permit for a 16,200-hectare gold-copper tenement in Abra, Philippines. The proposed project has encountered firm opposition from several Indigenous groups in the region.

Recent reports indicate that the Tingguian Indigenous community is formally contesting the company’s Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. Community representatives have raised concerns regarding the company’s adherence to established FPIC guidelines. They cite a history of inadequate consultation and limitations on meaningful community participation.

Featured image via Barold for the Canary