Daven Tamayo

Philippines, US ink deal on mineral processing

Aerial photo shows the Taganito Mining site in  Claver, Surigao del Norte during President Duterte’s aerial inspection to check the impacts of  Tropical Storm Auring  at the region on February 23, 2021.  Dueterte convened the members of his Cabinet and local government officials of Surigao del Sur to assess the extent of the damage of Tropical Storm Auring that recently hit the Caraga region and discussed the response and relief efforts being given to the affected areas. Toto Lozano, Presidential Photo

Article (news)

Politics-Duterte

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States have signed a landmark agreement to transform the Southeast Asian nation into a global hub for critical minerals processing, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Friday, as Manila seeks to move away from exporting raw ores.The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in Washington by Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg, aims to integrate the Philippines into high-tech global supply chains for electric vehicles and renewable energy.“Through this partnership, we are building a Filipino-led industry that processes our own resources, creates high-skilled jobs, and strengthens our position in the global high-tech supply chain,” Lotilla said in a statement. “We will be able to keep more of the economic benefits of mining within the country.”The deal, signed on the sidelines of the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial, aligns Manila with other US allies like Australia, Japan, and South Korea in securing diversified supplies of rare earths. The Philippines is a major producer of nickel and copper but has long struggled to move up the value chain.Lotilla emphasized that the shift toward domestic processing would not compromise the environment.“This step forms part of our overall commitment to responsible mining by upholding environmental standards and protecting the well-being of local communities,” he added.The agreement comes as Western powers scramble to reduce reliance on dominant suppliers for minerals essential to semiconductors and the green energy transition.

The deal comes as the Philippines seeks to move away from exporting raw ores.