[2] SMI is a joint venture between global giant Glencore, Australia's Indophil Resources, and Filipino firm Tampakan Group of Companies.
[11] According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippines COVID-19 recovery plan for the mineral sector includes the development of the Tampakan project targeted for 2022.
[7] According to the Convergence of Initiatives for Environmental Justice (CIEJ), the project will also affect the Blaan's cultural and Indigenous way of life due to the threat to the local ecosystem.
[14][15] Among them is according to an investigation of 30 NGOs the indigenous anti-mining activist Juvy Capion and her two children, who were allegedly shot dead by the Philippines Armed Forces on October 18, 2012.
[16] A legal case filed against members of the Philippines Armed Forces for the killing of Juvy Capion and her children was dismissed in October 2013.
[21] The Davao Association of Catholic Schools, Inc. (DACS) also renounces the project over concerns around the threat of contamination to the local river systems.
In particular, fear is expressed about a possible recurrence of the Marcopper disaster, where a leak has led to severe impacts on the river system and the health and livelihood of local communities.