The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 122 will help advance the country’s critical minerals industry and strengthen its position in the global market.
Marcos signed EO 122 on Aug. 18, establishing a unified national policy framework for the development of the Philippines’ critical minerals industry, according to the PNIA.
The order directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify and evaluate new critical mineral deposits and calls for the streamlining of mining permits through a virtual one-stop shop.
“PNIA thanks President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this decisive and forward-looking policy direction,” the industry group said in a statement.
“At a time when countries around the world are competing to secure critical minerals, investments, technologies, and supply chains, the President has sent a clear signal that the Philippines intends not only to participate in this global opportunity, but to compete for it.”
Faster permitting
The PNIA welcomed the directive to establish a virtual one-stop shop and allow mining applications to be processed simultaneously rather than sequentially.
The group said stronger policy direction could improve investor confidence, but consistent implementation would be needed to sustain that confidence.
“For investors, strong policy direction builds confidence, but consistent implementation sustains it,” the PNIA said.
“The task now is to translate that direction into faster, clearer, and more predictable processes on the ground.”
The association said the Philippines has critical mineral resources that are attracting international interest, positioning the country to benefit from growing competition for minerals needed for modern technologies and supply chains.
EO 122 is intended to provide a coordinated policy framework as the government seeks to develop these resources, while improving the efficiency of the regulatory process.
Industry commitment
The PNIA said the Philippine nickel industry was prepared to work with government agencies and local communities to turn the new policy framework into measurable progress.
“The Philippine nickel industry stands ready to do its part, to develop our resources responsibly, uphold the highest environmental and social standards, and work alongside government to ensure that this historic opportunity delivers sustainable and inclusive growth for generations of Filipinos,” it said.
The association's support comes as governments and industries worldwide seek to secure critical mineral supplies, investments, processing capacity and technologies.
For the Philippines, the PNIA said, the new policy could provide an opportunity to strengthen its role in the global critical minerals market while promoting responsible resource development.
