【SMM Nickel Flash】Philippines Strengthens Critical Minerals Policy to Promote Downstream Development

Published: Aug 24, 2026 09:28

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On August 21, The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 122, establishing a unified policy framework for the development of the country’s critical minerals industry. The policy aims to promote mineral exploration, development, processing and utilization, while encouraging investment in higher-value downstream industries.

The framework calls for streamlined and digitalized mining permits, as well as investment incentives for downstream refining, battery production and related industries. Domestic processing facilities will also receive priority access to mineral ores at fair-market prices. The government has identified at least 9 million hectares of prospective mineral areas for further exploration.

Nickel is among the Philippines’ key mineral resources. The policy is expected to support greater domestic processing and downstream development, potentially increasing the value added of Philippine nickel resources over the longer term.

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