Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to support the Philippines’ aspiration for “green mining” through deeper diplomatic, technological, and industry cooperation. At the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City,
Team Sweden, led by the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden, and top Swedish mining technology companies, announced new initiatives that strengthen responsible, sustainable, and smart mining in the country. The collaboration positions Sweden as a strategic partner in helping modernize the Philippine mining sector through innovation, digitalization, and low-impact mineral development.
Sweden–PH Partnership Accelerates Smart and Sustainable Mining
Business Sweden and Apex Mining Co., Inc. formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that expands the Philippine mining industry’s access to Swedish mining technology and digital solutions. Through the partnership, Apex Mining will explore advanced systems that improve operational efficiency, mining safety, and environmental performance—key components in achieving “green mining.”
Business Sweden Vice President for Asia and the Pacific Emil Akander said the collaboration will accelerate the Philippines’ transition to “smarter, safer, and more responsible mining practices.” Apex Mining President Luis R. Sarmiento added that access to Sweden’s innovation ecosystem strengthens the country’s push for modern, sustainable mineral development.
PH’s First Wireless Underground Mining Connectivity Launched
A major highlight of Team Sweden’s initiatives is a pilot project between Apex Mining and Swedish company Epiroc for the deployment of Radlink—the first wireless underground connectivity technology to be implemented by a Filipino-owned mining firm.
Radlink will allow real-time data, monitoring, and communication underground, enabling smarter decision-making and safer mining operations. This milestone positions Apex as a front-runner in digital mining transformation in the Philippines.
Other Swedish technology leaders such as Volvo Construction Equipment and Axis Communications likewise expressed support for the country’s transition to digital, low-emission, and automated mining solutions.
Sweden Shares Global Best Practices on Responsible Mining
The Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden, and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) co-organized the Philippine–Sweden Smart Mining Forum, a key platform for knowledge exchange among mining companies, regulators, and academic institutions. Participants included UP Diliman, Mindanao State University, and Sweden’s Luleå University of Technology (LTU).
Ambassador Anna Ferry emphasized that “smart mining is about transforming operations to be safe, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible.” Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla cited Sweden’s Kiruna mine as a global model for digitalized and low-impact mining.
LTU presented Sweden’s successful “triple-helix model”—a strong collaboration among government, industry, and academia that has built one of the world’s most competitive mining ecosystems. The Center of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM), represented by Noberto Jr. Aquino, expressed readiness to work with Philippine universities on joint research and sustainable mining innovation.
Sweden Deepens Industry and Academic Engagement in the Philippines
Team Sweden also joined major ANMSEC events including the mining exhibit opening and the Community Relations Conference (ComRelCon), where Ambassador Ferry delivered a keynote address reinforcing Sweden’s long-term partnership with the Philippine mining sector.
Networking sessions hosted by DIWATA – Women in Resource Development and Raniag Minera of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc., further strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, promoting responsible and women-inclusive mining practices.
LTU also met with UP Diliman and MSU to explore joint research, capacity-building, and academic exchange. Team Sweden conducted a site visit to Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Apex Mining, to identify opportunities for integrating Swedish mining technologies into local operations.