TNC's would be able to acquire multiple operations in this manner. A 1997 Investment Priority Plan exempted imported tools, equipment and machinery from customs duties. The 1991 People's Small Scale Mining Act displaces small miners including indigenous peoples, thus accelerating the takeover of mining by foreign monopolies. The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act underlines the supremacy of privatization and commodification of land, abandoning government responsibility to respect aboriginal land claims. The government is also reducing the status of aboriginal rights to land by implementing superficial land titles practices.
Mining companies based in Canada, U.S. and Australia are contenders.
The following Canadian mining companies have submitted mining applications to the Philippines government. Mining legislation opens up the country to further foreign domination and control. It is creating mass displacement, especially of indigenous communities and upland farmers. Foreign companies have an abominal history of creating environmental disastres as well, and turning virgin forests and clean water sources and farming lands into wastelands and deserts. They also have a terrible reputation for excessive exploitation of workers and mass unemployment.