THE Philippines wants to go beyond raw mineral extraction by developing local processing and downstream industries under a new national framework for critical minerals — a move welcomed by the country’s nickel industry.
Executive Order (EO) 122, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Aug. 21, establishes a national policy framework for the responsible development of the mining and critical minerals sector.
The Department of Finance (DOF) said the framework calls for investments in critical mineral refining, advanced materials processing and the manufacture of batteries, electronic components, renewable energy technologies, and other downstream products.
“Our goal is to build industries around our mineral resources — processing, manufacturing, and other value-adding activities that create jobs, attract investments, and generate greater value for the Philippine economy,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.
The Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, was tasked to promote investments in refining, advanced materials processing, and downstream manufacturing.
The framework also covers industries supporting mining — including energy, water supply, transport and logistics, as well as mineral recovery and recycling.
The policy comes amid rising global demand for minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The Philippines is a major nickel producer and has deposits of copper, cobalt and other critical minerals.
EO 122 also calls for the strict implementation of the “Use It or Lose It” policy for critical mineral mining tenements and the accelerated disposition and privatization of government-owned mining assets.
The order designates the secretaries of Finance and DENR as co-chairpersons of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), strengthening its role in coordinating government policies and addressing barriers to investment.
‘Pivotal step’
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) welcomed the framework, calling it a “pivotal step” toward strengthening the country’s position in the global critical minerals market.
PNIA said the declaration of critical mineral projects as national priority projects recognizes mineral resources as strategic assets that can support industrialization, infrastructure, energy security, digital transformation, and the clean energy transition.
The group also commended provisions for stronger interagency coordination, streamlined and digitalized permitting, and more predictable regulatory processes.
“For investors, strong policy direction builds confidence, but consistent implementation sustains it,” PNIA said, adding that the government must translate the policy into faster and clearer processes.
PNIA said the global race for critical minerals presents an opportunity for the Philippines to attract responsible investments, develop stronger industries and create quality jobs.
“The Philippines has the resources, global interest is here, and we now have an even stronger national policy direction,” the group said.
PNIA said the nickel industry would continue working with government, local governments and communities to develop mineral resources responsibly while meeting environmental and social standards.
