Minerals, Data, and a New Kind of Resource Wealth  By Fernando Penarroyo  The Philippines has long been recognized as one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries. With deposits of nickel, copper, and gold, it plays a vital role in global supply chains, especially at a time when electric cars, batteries, and renewable energy systems are driving de...

In our ever-evolving world, the demand for minerals and energy is growing faster than ever. From the smartphones in our pockets to the electricity powering our homes, these natural resources play a vital role in our everyday lives. But finding them—hidden deep underground or beneath the ocean floor—is no easy task.   Fortunately, science and technology...

The reassertion of the "America First" policy under the renewed Trump administration in 2025 has reshaped global trade, energy, and strategic relations. At the heart of this shift is a clear prioritization of US economic sovereignty, energy independence, and critical mineral security. Under Trump 2.0, this approach prioritizes fossil fuel expansion, domes...

(Part 2) Part 1 can be read HERE When I came back from my studies in Europe, I continued my studies at the UP College of Law. For me it was UP Law or bust because I financed my way to law school attending evening classes. Surely, with a meager government salary, I couldn’t have afforded pursuing law studies without the subsidy from taxpayers. I was ...

​ It has been almost four decades since I have worked in the resources and energy industry. My career history can be set against the backdrop of the ups and downs of the industry starting from the time I began working as a government petroleum geologist up to the present where I am both a government regulator and a private law practitioner. I witnes...

I applied for the position of Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology (the “Board”) in 2019. My ordeal started with the submission of my personal data sheets filed under oath, curriculum vitae outlining my academic and career history, and clearances from various government agencies to affirm the fact that I have had no past or existing...

The construction industry, a key contributor to the Philippine economy, generated about seven percent (7%) of the country’s gross domestic product in 2022. The recent COVID-19 pandemic affected the real estate and construction industry and caused financial burden due to additional health and safety requirements, project suspension and delays, and reduced ...

As Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology, December of last year was quite a busy month. I was given the honor to present the keynote speech during the opening of the Geological Convention (GeoCon) 2023 last 05 December 2023 and the Oath Taking Ceremonies for New Geologists on 11 December 2023. In my speeches, I emphasized the importa...

Amidst inflation, supply chain interruptions, geopolitical upheaval, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their subsequent effects on the energy and industrial commodities markets, mining companies are facing enormous challenges in achieving their profitability and sustainability goals. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) consider...

The regulatory oversight of the mining sector is complex with multiple government administrative agencies and legislative bodies involved in the implementation and drafting of laws in relation to environmental, social, and governance matters. Through active monitoring and close coordination with the mine developer, government regulators can promote enviro...

  There were reasons to be optimistic about the mining industry in the past two years. It started with the the lifting of the ban on open pit mining and moratorium on new mining projects, and the renewal of the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (“FTAA”) of Oceana Gold in 2021. Last year, the Philippines also rejoined the Extractive Industrie...

The year 2022 saw a myriad of challenges as the Russian war on Ukraine, inflation, market volatility, food shortages, rising energy prices, and lingering pandemic impacts continue to shape global markets. The early part of last year was a robust period for the metals and mining sector. The industry was buoyed by record high prices for some commodities, su...

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is barely in his first year of his office and already is facing a myriad of challenges from soaring inflation and public debt to a devaluating peso against the dollar. While trying to sustain economic recovery following stagnation from the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcos is hard put to tame the increasing costs of c...

Every time there is a change in administration, the mineral industry always anticipate with bated breath the identity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) secretary. The presidential appointee is scrutinized whether he or she is either sympathetic to the mining industry or a staunch environmental advocate. This can be attributed...

President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued an order last year that lifted the ban on open-pit mining imposed in 2017. The lifting of the ban would have allowed the $5.9-billion Tampakan copper-gold mine project to proceed, the largest untapped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s biggest. Sagittarius Mines, Inc. holds the Financial and Te...

Last year saw miners experiencing record profitability and revenue. While the industry continues to benefit from relative high metal prices and opportunities from the clean energy transition and digital transformation, there are identified risks arising from COVID-19's resurgence and disruptions, potential for weaker-than-expected global economic growth, ...