The Philippines is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Canada in responsible and sustainable mineral development while promoting its vast mineral resources to global investors at the world’s largest mining convention.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga met with officials of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) in Ottawa on Feb. 27 to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in the mining sector.
Chan-Gonzaga, accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Alexander Joseph A. Estomo, held talks with MAC President and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Gratton and Senior Vice President Ben Chalmers.
The discussions focused on expanding Philippines-Canada cooperation in critical minerals, investment facilitation and industry partnerships.
Both sides exchanged views on advancing shared priorities and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector to promote innovation, maintain high environmental standards and support sustainable growth in the mining industry.
Chan-Gonzaga highlighted the Philippine mining sector’s continued adherence to the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standards, a globally recognized framework developed by MAC.
He also emphasized the Philippines’ efforts to upgrade domestic mineral processing and ensure the meaningful participation of Indigenous communities in resource development.
Gratton and Chalmers expressed support for these initiatives and offered to facilitate introductions to key Canadian government officials and organizations that could help advance the Philippines’ priorities.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is also promoting its mining potential at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention 2026 in Toronto, widely regarded as the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining gathering.
Chan-Gonzaga led the Philippine delegation during the inauguration of the country’s first-ever “Philippine Country Space” at the convention on March 1.
Joining him were Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Philippine Consul General in Toronto Kristine Leilani Salle, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Michael Cabalda, and representatives from the Philippine Nickel Industry Association and other mining companies.
In his remarks, Chan-Gonzaga said the Philippines’ participation with a dedicated country space reflects its readiness to deepen partnerships with global stakeholders as a reliable source of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.
“With its vast mineral reserves, the Philippines is well positioned to expand partnerships with international investors and industry leaders underpinned by a commitment to responsible resource development and sustainable growth,” he said.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Nina Tangri, Ontario’s associate minister of small business and member of provincial parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, who represented the Canadian government.
The Philippine delegation will meet with industry stakeholders throughout the PDAC convention to explore opportunities in exploration, investment, innovation and sustainable mining practices.
Convention participants may learn more about the Philippines’ reserves of nickel, copper, gold and other key minerals by visiting the Philippine Country Space at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Trade Show North, Booth 7108N, which will run until noon on March 4.
