The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said the country remains a key supplier, with its members accounting for about 73% of national output, totaling 37.81 million dry metric tons (DMT) in 2025.

“The Philippines remains a major player in the global nickel market,” said Charmaine Olea-Capili.

Nickel demand is expected to grow steadily, driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and infrastructure, according to the International Energy Agency.

The Philippines, which ranks sixth in global nickel reserves, continues to supply key markets, with China accounting for 66% of exports in 2025—down from 78% in 2024 as buyers diversify sourcing.

PNIA cited opportunities from supply chain diversification, emerging market demand, and increased investments in processing. However, near-term risks include potential oversupply, evolving battery technologies, and slower EV adoption.

Recent policy reforms, including Republic Act No. 12253, are expected to improve the investment climate by providing a clearer fiscal regime.

At the same time, the industry is advancing ESG initiatives and regional cooperation, including collaboration with Indonesia to strengthen supply chains. PNIA said continued improvements in infrastructure, energy readiness, and policy alignment will be key to sustaining growth.

PNIA emphasized that Mr. Sy is a Filipino citizen whose nationality has been upheld by Philippine authorities, including the BI itself in two separate rulings. The Association noted that the circumstances surrounding his continued detention create uncertainty that could affect investor sentiment at a time when the Philippines is striving to reinforce its standing as a reliable and competitive mining investment destination.

“Consistency and respect for due process are essential to maintaining investor confidence,” PNIA said. “This matter underscores the importance of a predictable, rules-based environment for both local and international stakeholders in the mining sector.”

The Association reaffirmed its support for a mining industry that is transparent, stable, and aligned with the rule of law. It also stressed that ensuring clarity in regulatory and legal processes is fundamental to strengthening the Philippines’ position in the global mineral development arena.

PNIA expressed confidence that authorities will act swiftly to address the situation in accordance with due process, ensuring the protection of rights while sending a strong signal that the Philippines remains a secure and dependable partner for investors.

PNIA acknowledges the vital importance of environmental protection, but it is equally crucial to recognize that economic growth and environmental sustainability can coexist. Responsible mining practices can safeguard the environment while simultaneously fostering economic development. The nickel industry, for example, has made invaluable contributions to the local economy, creating thousands of jobs and generating substantial revenue for both local and national governments. Moreover, mining projects in Palawan support key sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, and small businesses, while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

Further, the Palawan Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s resolution conflicts with national law and the Constitution, particularly regarding the limitations on local government units’ authority over national resources. By imposing such a blanket ban without sufficient legal foundation or consultation with national stakeholders, it undermines the balance between local autonomy and national oversight, which is an essential element for sustainable and equitable development. Additionally, this resolution represents an overreach of local police power, as it seeks to impose restrictions beyond the jurisdiction granted to local governments under the Constitution, without proper legal and regulatory basis.

A 50-year moratorium sends a damaging signal to both local and international investors that will stall economic opportunities in Palawan. It also weakens the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global nickel market, particularly as demand rises for nickel in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. Such a drastic policy adds unnecessary uncertainty to the sector, undermining the industry’s consistent advocacy for predictable, stable policies that support long-term investments and competitiveness.

Rather than pursuing an impractical and far-reaching moratorium, PNIA calls for strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure responsible mining operations. This includes harmonizing national and local policies for a unified approach to resource management, creating a transparent policy framework to encourage investment in sustainable mining technologies, and reinforcing the enforcement of strict environmental standards to protect natural resources.

PNIA is firmly committed to a balanced, sustainable approach where mining, environmental protection, and community development thrive together. We advocate for constructive dialogue between the government, local communities, and industry players to create policies that promote both economic growth and environmental sustainability. We stand ready to work with the Provincial Government of Palawan to craft policies that ensure long-term benefits for the province and the nation.

The PMIEA is the mining industry’s most prestigious awarding ceremony, conferred by the national government and the industry’s regulatory bodies. The awards recognize outstanding dedication, initiatives, and innovations in environmental protection and safety and health management. These accolades carry significant weight as they are conferred by the very agencies that regulate the mining industry, setting the standards for safety, environmental protection, and corporate responsibility.

PNIA members achieved significant recognition at this year’s PMIEA, winning a total of 19 major awards across 8 categories, affirming their commitment to the highest standards of mining excellence. These accolades highlight the companies’ dedication not only to compliance but also to initiatives that go beyond regulatory requirements, advancing sustainability, and fostering social responsibility.

6 of the 7 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards were presented to 6 PNIA members: Cagdianao Mining Corporation, Carrascal Nickel Corporation, CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, and Taganito Mining Corporation.

The PMIEA Selection Committee Platinum Achievement Award went to Platinum Group Metals Corporation, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation, while Dinapigue Mining Corporation received the Titanium Achievement Award and Most Improved Safety Performance.

PNIA members bagged all of the awards under the Mining Forest Program’s Best Mining Forest Contest as Cagdianao Mining Corporation claimed the top award for Best Mining Forest, with Platinum Group Metals Corporation as 1st Runner-Up, Taganito Mining Corporation as 2nd Runner-Up and Carrascal Nickel Corporation as 3rd Runner-Up. This distinction emphasizes PNIA members’ commitment to environmental stewardship, land rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation through sustainable reforestation efforts.

Awards in safety were also given to PNIA through Cagdianao Mining’s Best Mine / Plant Supervisor award, Hinatuan Mining’s Best Miner / Operator Award, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining’s Best Safety Inspector Award, Dinapigue Mining’s Most Improved Safety Performance Award, and Carrascal Nickel Corporation’s Award for Runner-Up in Safest Surface Mining Operations.

PNIA President Atty. Dante R. Bravo said, “PNIA members winning awards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence highlights our commitment to responsible mining and sustainability. In the face of increasing climate-related risks and challenges, it’s vital to remember that responsible mining practices contribute to resilient communities through effective social development, risk management, progressive rehabilitation, early disaster response, and sustainable land use practices that help communities adapt to the changing environment.”

“Our success as an industry is built on strong partnerships with our employees, host community, technical partners, local government units, national government stakeholders, and other stakeholders. These collaborations are essential for ensuring that mining not only adheres to the highest environmental, operational, and safety standards but also creates tangible benefits for communities through job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth,” Atty. Bravo added.

Meanwhile, PNIA Chairman Antonio Co said, “As a vital sector of the Philippine economy, the mining industry must be seen not only for its economic contributions but also for its role in achieving national development goals. We stand firmly in our commitment to responsible mining practices that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation. By prioritizing both environmental and social impacts, we aim to be a model for industries across the country, showing that responsible practices can drive long-term growth while contributing to national prosperity.”

Co further underscored the importance of excellence in environmental stewardship towards reaching global sustainability goals. “This is a long-standing commitment of nickel miners and the mining industry for our communities and for our country; to promote the practices of Philippine nickel miners of being dedicated stewards of the environment”.

PNIA President Atty. Dante R. Bravo said this is a common sentiment based on feedback from the Nickel Initiative stakeholder roundtable sessions and business conference that PNIA has been organizing since March this year in support of government’s efforts to grow the mining industry and level up to value-added processing. 

“Mining is capital intensive in every stage of the operation’s life cycle from exploration to extraction, to value-added processing. While there is a lot of interest in the Philippines as a mining investment destination, we need to convince investors that the business environment is ready and conducive for their entry to the Philippines,” said Bravo.

Bravo explained that while the government is focused on attracting investors in value-added processing, industry development efforts should include mining exploration and extraction because a nickel processing plant requires more than 100 million tons of raw nickel ore for at least 20 years to be considered viable.

“We can’t push for value added processing without mitigating uncertainties in minerals exploration and extraction because all of these are integral parts of the minerals development value chain. To produce the minimum raw ore input requirement of one processing plant, mining permits need to be approved efficiently and awarded contracts should be allowed to operate with minimal disruption under a predictable, rules-based regulatory regime,” said Bravo.

To fast track the approval of mining permits, PNIA is discussing with government if a “one-stop shop” program, similar to what was provided to support growth sectors such as energy, can be implemented in the mining sector. 

Bravo said other areas for reform that were flagged in the Nickel Initiative consultations include streamlining of fiscal regime, harmonization of national and local mining regulations, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental protection laws.

Enhancing environment protection and social development impact

Apart from discussions on fiscal and regulatory regime, the Nickel Initiative stakeholder roundtable and business conference also looked into enhancing the development impact of the mining sector’s environment and social development programs.

Bravo said that it expressed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau its readiness to support its on-going review of Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP) as well as their Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP).

“Any industry development effort should translate to sustainable economic development particularly to impact communities. PNIA members have consistently demonstrated how we deliver beyond compliance to uphold the welfare of our host communities and to progressively rehabilitate the environment,” said Bravo. 

PNIA revives offer to draft industry blueprint with government to boost competitiveness of nickel sector

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) announced that it is reviving its offer to help draft an industry blueprint in collaboration with government to make the country’s nickel sector globally competitive and attractive to investors. 

PNIA Chairman Antonio L. Co explained that the offer drafts the nickel industry blueprint is part of PNIA’s comprehensive partnership proposal to government that includes the institutionalize private-public dialogue mechanisms, conduct scientific studies on the Philippines’ nickel reserves and applications, and explore research and development on viable alternatives in nickel processing technologies.

PNIA recently made this offer to key government agencies involved in the development, regulation, and promotion of the mining sector including the Departments Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Finance, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government, plus the Board of Investments and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

“We first announced our intent to draft an industry blueprint in 2019 during our first Nickel Initiative Business Conference but we may need to restart what we initiated because conditions are much different now after the pandemic. The nickel sector is still vulnerable to global and local uncertainties, but we are hopeful that we will make significant progress this time because government is actively championing the development and promotion of the mining industry,” said Co.

He adds that “having an industry blueprint will help sustain interest and boost investor confidence as it signifies clear direction and commitment in the execution of policies and programs needed to promote the growth of the nickel sector and to make it globally competitive.”

“There’s so much interest right now to invest in Philippine mining but investors are also calculating risks because of the huge investment and effort required in mining. Consider that a value-added processing plant requires at least more than USD 1.5 billion investment, guaranteed access to more than 100 million tons of raw nickel ore, apart from other requisites such as importation of technology, stable and cost effective electricity, highly technical skills, and efficient logistics. An industry blueprint will prescribe how all of these should be lined up while clearly outlining mitigation measures against risks that could spook investors,” explained Co.

Co said that the nickel industry blueprint may require consultation and inputs from many stakeholders and other industries as it should ideally cover the entire value chain of nickel minerals development from mineral extraction, to nickel processing, to downstream application in finished products.

Further, the nickel industry blueprint should provide credible data on the economic potentials of the Philippines nickel reserves, define where the Philippines should play in the global nickel production and processing trade, provide prescriptions on how to address complex policy and regulation issues that are triggering uncertainties and unpredictabilities, and establish the timeline of the industry development effort.

The nickel industry blueprint also needs to have strong sustainability component that enhances the environment and social development impact of the nickel sector to uphold the lives and livelihood of families in mining communities. 

“As in any industry development effort, the goal is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development by mitigating environment footprint, generating economic opportunities, improving quality of life, and promoting self-reliant communities. Environment protection, social development, and sustainability are at the core of the Philippines’s policy framework on mining. Sustainability will be a key pillar in the nickel industry blueprint,” said Co.

The need for a nickel industry blueprint regained traction during PNIA’s Nickel Initiative Stakeholder Roundtable discussions held in March 2023 where participants, which includes experts and foreign business chambers, drew attention to the Philippines’ low standing in the Fraser Institute’s 2021 Survey of Mining Companies that measured Policy Perception Index (PPI) or the overall policy attractiveness of 84 jurisdictions covered by the survey.

The Philippines ranked 2^nd in Frasers’ tally of 10 least attractive jurisdictions based on its 13-point PPI that includes factors such as uncertainty concerning the administration of current regulations, regulatory duplication, political stability, legal system and taxation regime, uncertainty concerning protected areas and disputed land claims, and quality of geological database among others. 

The Philippines is among the top nickel producers in world. In 2022, PNIA nickel mining companies produced over 11 million dry metric tons of nickel. Based on latest MGB data, 33 out of 56 operating metallic mines in the country are nickel mines. 

“Hopefully, the industry blueprint will help resolve policy and regulator factors that pulls the development of the industry and unlock the economic opportunities from the more than 97% of the estimated 9 million hectares of land with mineral potential,” said Co.

The nickel mining site in Easter Samar (Photo file/THEPHILBIZNEWS)

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

The advent of coronavirus that made the world stand still and disrupted many business and economic activities, the country’s mining sector was not also spared. Inevitable slowdown in production due pandemic happened but the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) reports an increase in export value in 2020.

According to a report from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Philippine nickel sector has produced a total of 18.5 million Dry Metric Tons (DMT) in 2020, a 14% decline in production in comparison to 21.6 million DMT production in the previous year 2019. The decrease in production was mainly brought about by the enhanced community quarantine between March to May 2020 where the movement of mineral products were limited throughout the country.

In terms of export value, the industry posted almost Php 25 billion pesos between January to September of 2020 which is an increase from the Php 24 billion pesos posted from the same period in 2019.

According to PNIA President Atty. Dante Bravo, the increased in performance of export value for the nickel industry was mainly driven by the increase in prices of nickel in the market. The improved world price of nickel in 2020 came from the steady demand in China keeping the local nickel sector’s performance with stable production of nickel throughout the year.

Meanwhile, PNIA members still contribute almost 50% percent of the total nickel production in the Philippines. Based on the recent MGB report, PNIA members produced a total of 7.9 million DMT with an export value amount of Php 11.6 billion pesos in 2020 while in 2019 members of the nickel association produced 9.6 million DMT with an export value of Php 10.6 billion pesos. 

“The industry is grateful that we were able to perform well despite the pandemic and that we were able to contribute to the economy during these trying times. We’re all aware that a large number of businesses closed down in 2020 and some are closing down this year. Most importantly, we’re glad that the nickel industry was able to operate and continue to help our local communities survive during the challenges of the pandemic last year,” emphasizes Atty. Dante R. Bravo, President of PNIA.

The industry’s Social Development Management Program (SDMP), one of the mandated programs under the Philippine Mining Law was also unhampered even during the pandemic. Through this government directive, the mining industry provides livelihood, education, health, public infrastructure and socio-cultural assistance to local communities. In 2020, PNIA members have spent a total of 166.8M pesos in implementing these SDMP efforts particularly in Palawan, Zambales and CARAGA region.

Bravo adds that members of PNIA member companies contributed an estimated amount of Php 49 million pesos in 2020 to COVID 19-related efforts to host and neighboring communities including Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, when the mining industry redirected 30% of their SDMP funds for COVID relief assistance in April last year. The association further added a total of Php 2.8 million pesos for other COVID and Typhoon Ulysses relief efforts. 

These initiatives focused on food security, protective equipment, medicines and medical assistance to the community and even to local government units (LGUs). Some of these efforts included build-up of isolation rooms and testing centers, provision for ambulance, transportation, supplement supply of thermal scanners, test kits and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to local hospitals as well as provision of food packs, facemasks and hygiene kits to local health workers and front liners. 

For 2021, the industry remains optimistic as nickel consumption is seen to likely increase with the growing demand from foreign markets driven by the infrastructure sector and improved demand from the electric vehicle industry as well as the home appliance equipment manufacturing sector.

“We are hopeful that there will be a continuous demand for the year so that we can also keep our performance and help our local communities by providing them jobs that they can keep. The mining industry has kept to employ 190,000 people in the entire country and this is very important especially that the Philippine government is trying to implement economic recovery efforts from the impact of the pandemic,” adds PNIA President Dante Bravo. 

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

True to its commitment to intensify progressive rehabilitation and other environmental sustainability efforts, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) through its 8-member companies have boosted their Environment Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and reported a total of 6.3 million trees planted over 3,167 hectares in their respective mining areas.

With limited movement and slow down in their operations during the community quarantine period, the PNIA member companies have planted an additional 809,656 more trees in the first two quarters of 2020 alone, covering 322 hectares of land or equivalent of approximately 600 football fields, which brings their total number of planted trees to over 6 million to date.

The said effort to increase tree planting effort from the association has resulted in a 13.9% growth in the total number of trees planted as of the second quarter of 2020. Last year, the group also revealed that they have already planted 5.3 million trees.

During the virtual media briefing held this morning, PNIA Executive Director Charmaine Olea-Capili said, “PNIA members have consistently delivered beyond compliance to demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection and rehabilitation. All the members have invested over PHP 203M on continued EPEP activities and specifically PHP 59.7M on progressive rehabilitation this year despite the pandemic.”

Capili also noted that the implementation of the progressive rehabilitation program is based on research and follows rigorous scientific methods.

“PNIA members have the full-time environment and technical experts who study the ecosystem and soil of each area that will be rehabilitated to identify which tree species will suit the environment and benefit the community. Member companies have planted over 70 different tree species including bamboo in their respective mining sites,” she added.

As of August 2020, the group reported over 23,100 bamboo seedlings have been planted across 43 hectares.  Aside from rehabilitating the environment, bamboo-planting can also provide livelihood opportunities for the local communities by selling various bamboo-made products.

Apart from ramped up tree planting activities for the year, the nickel industry members have also conducted numerous environmental programs for the benefit of their host communities, including 17 coastal cleanups in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Palawan, and the planting of almost 95,000 mangrove seedlings as of August of this year.

The on-going reforestation is just part of the continuous efforts of the industry to help the local communities during the pandemic.  As of July this year, the nickel group members have recently allotted almost PHP 30M in pandemic relief assistance under their Social Development Management Programs (SDMP) in the form of personal protective equipment (PPEs), food security packs, medicines and test kits, disinfection tents, organized transportation, and intensive information dissemination campaign in their host communities to ensure that localities including the indigenous communities are taken cared of during the pandemic.

“We ensure that no one gets left behind especially in these trying times. In partnership with the local government, we continuously assist in our various social development, crisis response, and environmental protection programs. Although production slowed down this year, PNIA members have ramped up their social development and environment programs to help the community throughout the pandemic and deliver our commitments to our stakeholders,” Capili underscored.

For his part, Atty. Dante Bravo, Presiden of Philippine Nickel Industry Association he pointed out that their group and members have always been passionate about planning and executing their various environmental programs under its Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs or EPEP.

“In our perspective, implementing our EPEPs is one of our ways to show the community how we value their land, waters, and environment. We make it a point to improve what is already in the area and contribute to the beauty, safety, and preservation of the community, Atty. Bravo explained.

“The members of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association have invested over PHP 202 million into their various EPEP from the start of the year to August 2020. These are not final amounts as we have on-going EPEP activities until the end of the year,” he concluded.