Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) President Dante R. Bravo said the Philippine nickel industry remains well-positioned to compete and grow despite global headwinds, shifting trade dynamics and market uncertainties.
Bravo made the remarks during the Singapore New Energy Metals & Materials Forum 2026 organized by E Steel and Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), which brought together industry leaders, investors and critical minerals stakeholders from across the region.
The PNIA Board of Directors participated in the forum, which served as a platform for discussions on developments in the global nickel industry and opportunities for mineral-producing countries to remain competitive, responsible and sustainable amid changing market conditions.
According to PNIA, the Philippines continues to benefit from several strategic advantages, including its vast nickel resources, proximity to major processing hubs and growing partnerships across the region.
Bravo highlighted initiatives such as the IndoPhil Nickel Corridor and the collaboration between PNIA and the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI), which are helping strengthen ASEAN's role in the global nickel value chain.
The IndoPhil Nickel Corridor was launched earlier this year by PNIA and APNI to deepen cooperation between the world's two largest nickel-producing countries. The initiative seeks to promote investment, policy coordination and responsible mining practices while creating opportunities for downstream development and greater regional integration across the nickel industry.
The partnership gained further momentum in May during Indonesia-Philippines business engagements in Cebu, where industry leaders highlighted the corridor's role in linking Philippine nickel resources with Indonesia's established processing and refining capacity. The initiative has been positioned as a platform to strengthen ASEAN's participation in the global critical minerals and electric vehicle battery supply chain.
PNIA said the collaboration is expected to support long-term growth opportunities while reinforcing the region's importance as a major supplier of nickel to global markets.
As the global nickel sector continues to evolve, the association said industry forums provide valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships and discuss strategies for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability in the years ahead.
The forum brought together participants from across the new energy metals and materials sector to discuss market developments, investment opportunities and the future of critical minerals that are essential to the global energy transition.
