Australian mining companies are gearing up their plans in the Philippines following the lifting of the ban on new mine contracts.
The Australian government welcomed the move as this is a positive step for the industry and to the country towards recovery.
However, discussions for access of Philippine bananas and canned pineapples to the Australian market are ongoing.
“The mining industry done responsibly, using firms that have the most modern equipment, the most modern techniques that subscribe to the world standards of mining (would) benefit the Philippines,” said Australian ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson in a briefing on Monday.
“The Philippines is a natural resource-rich country. And there’s much that could be done here, that would really benefit the Philippines’ recovery,” Robinson added.
Robinsons said Australian mining companies in the Philippine such as Orica, Oceana Gold, Red 5 among others “are already thinking about what does the future hold for them as a result of that ban being lifted. “
Robinsons said these companies have started to reach out to the Australian government in recent times to express interest in mining across the Philippines.
“(Lifting of the ban) was a very, very positive step for the Philippines and (is) good for Australian mining here, and cooperation and partnership with the Philippines. I’m very optimistic about what’s going to happen in the next couple of years about mining and Australian mining here in the Philippines,” he added.
Robinsons meanwhile said bilateral trade discussions on cavendish bananas and canned pineapple are ongoing, with agriculture departments of both sides working to exchange information on various standards and processes.
“It’s not about policy changes but a question of meeting requirements of both countries,” Robinson said.
He noted Australia has strict and rough quarantine standards which the Philippines is working on to comply with.
