MISLEADING: Image depicts open-pit mining in Palawan

An image posted in a Facebook group named “KAUNLARAN SA BROOKE’S POINT PALAWAN AT PAGMAMAHAL SA KALIKASAN,” a group made for discussion on mining and tourism in Brooke’s Point, Palawan allegedly shows the result of the mining in the region.

CLAIM:

The post claims to share the impact of mining in the mountains.

RATING:

Misleading

CONCLUSION:

While there are mining operations being conducted in the mountains of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, the image being shared is a stock image already being used by publications to represent different mining operations.

THE FACTS:

• According to a reverse image search in Google, the earliest publication of this image is in an article entitled “Innovation in mining” posted on a platform called AusIMM Bulletin.
• The image was then used as a stock image in different web articles, such as one of The Dawn, which tackles the Reko Diq project in Pakistan.
• Nickel extraction by the Ipilan Nickel Corporation remains active in Brooke’s Point Palawan, despite being protested against by residents and environmental advocates.

BOTTOMLINE:

The claim is misleading. While the mining is real, the image presented is likely not from the site in Brooke’s Point.