IN PHOTOS: Taganito, a mining town

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – In the town of Taganito in northern Mindanao, life revolves around the country’s biggest nickel mining company.

Nickel Asia has recently inaugurated its second nickel processing plant, which created jobs even for those who used to work abroad, and at wage rates most workers have not received in their lifetime.

The construction of the US$1.7 billion plant created economic waves. Food supply, clothing, housing, increased to accommodate the workers, which had swelled to 7,000 at one time. There is now a Metrobank ATM where workers collect their salaries, a Lhuillier pawnshop branch to remit money for their families in other provinces, a Jollibee branch under construction, and new housing units in the works.

The Catholic church is being expanded as new residents come in droves. The schools, too, need more classrooms as student population ballooned.

Documentary photographer Rick Rocamora provided the photos and text below