Seeking more sites for critical minerals in a government-led exploration, the Philippines government aims to step up exploration activities in the country.
This will step up support for the local mining industry via exploration activities starting next year to identify more areas where critical minerals such as nickel and chromium can be extracted.
The government-led exploration, which should help minimize risks for investors and provide necessary data for investment decisions, is the latest government measure to revitalize the Southeast Asian country’s still vastly undeveloped mining sector.
The Philippines, one of the main nickel ore suppliers to top metals consumer China and which also produces copper, gold, and other minerals, is seeking to attract more investment in mining to support economic growth.
The government has removed restrictive mining policies, including a ban on open-pit mining. It is working to draw investment into its domestic nickel processing sector to squeeze value out of its metals and minerals industry.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
