The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) last week signed with the government led by the University of the Philippines Public Administration Foundation a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the operationalization of a P280 million US-funded technical assistance for the Partnership for Sustainable Development and Investment in Mineral Extraction and Processing.
The partnership agreement is a comprehensive program to help establish the Philippines’ positioning as a major global value chain player in the clean energy sector by maximizing the country’s mineral potential and increasing value addition through mineral processing.
Apart from PNIA, other signatories include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Anti-Red Tape Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, United States Agency for International Development’s Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development project and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
“The partnership is a significant boost to PNIA’s industry promotion and development efforts, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the nickel industry and attract investors by improving ease of doing business and ensuring a predictable regulatory environment,” said Antonio Co, PNIA chairman, in a statement.
PNIA said the outcome of this technical assistance is critical for the Philippines to stand out in Southeast Asia, as investors view the region as the emerging green industry hub of the world due to its cost advantages.
Co PNIA members, representing almost 50 percent of the local nickel mining industry, are committed and ready to contribute their technical expertise, best practices and industry experience.
“Aside from Indonesia, the Philippines is the only other country in Southeast Asia with a large untapped nickel supply. This is why the technical assistance came at the right time when we need to accelerate industry development efforts to attract investors and convince them of the viability of the Philippines as a minerals processing and green technology manufacturing destination,” Co said. Jed Macapagal
