THE Philippines and Indonesia on Friday signed an agreement to cooperate on nickel production, policy and responsible mining.
The deal was forged at the High-Level Business Roundtable led by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu City.
Signing the agreement were representatives of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and the Asosiasi Penambang Nikel Indonesia, witnessed by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Indonesia’s Chief Economics Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
“PNIA views this partnership as an opportunity to deepen engagement between two leading nickel-producing nations, promote responsible and sustainable industry practices, and encourage long-term collaboration and investment across the nickel value chain,” said PNIA Executive Director Charmaine Olea-Capili.
The agreement entails the exchange of information, joint development of nickel downstream processing technology and human resource development to support a sustainable nickel industry ecosystem.
It seeks to strengthen the nickel supply chain between the two countries that would build an “IndoPhil Nickel Corridor,” foster investment confidence and align industry standards, especially with growing demand for nickel in the electric vehicle battery industry.
More than half of nickel produced worldwide are used in alloys, such as stainless steel and rechargeable batteries.
“The Philippines will no longer be only an exporter of raw nickel ore, as it will be integrated into a higher-value regional supply chain, while Indonesia will secure a reliable supply for its battery and stainless industries,” Airlangga said.
In 2025, Indonesia exported $9.73 billion of nickel products, Airlangga said, adding that smelters required supplies with the proper silicon-to-magnesium ratio which can be supplied by the Philippines.
Both parties aim to define a shared direction for their respective nickel industries, encouraging responsible mining practices and enabling policy dialogue.
The agreement comes as global automakers push for better environmental, social and governance standards in nickel mining.
It aligns with efforts to manage nickel ore supply and enhance the role of Southeast Asia in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS
