PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the mining industry must transform itself into a reliable supplier of critical minerals for the global green transition, which he insisted must be achieved by itself championing the highest environmental and social-responsibility standards.
Speaking at the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition in Taguig City on Wednesday, Mr. Marcos warned against mining practices that “destroy forests, poison rivers and endanger lives.”
He added that the country’s mineral wealth “must bring tangible benefits to the people” in the form of improved schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
“This Administration shares a common vision of responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining in the country,” he said. “Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. Mining should build communities, not burden them.”
He said the government is simplifying mining application procedures to attract quality investors who support national and global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Marcos noted that recent reforms can serve to supercharge the industry, including the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, signed last month. The law sets a more transparent and consistent tax framework to improve investor confidence.
Also signed were the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act, which allows resource-extraction projects to be valued properly.
He expressed support for the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for adopting the Towards Sustainable Mining Program, a global benchmark for responsible operations.
“This is the kind of partnership that turns resource generation into human progress,” Mr. Marcos said.
The Philippines is the first country in Asia to implement the initiative, joining Canada and Australia in promoting high environmental, social, and governance standards.
In 2023, the mining and quarrying industry generated P308.19 billion in revenue, with gold ore mining accounting for P79 billion or 25.6% of the total, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Nickel ore generated P74.43 billion (24.2%) in revenue, and hard coal P61.28 billion (19.9%). — Chloe Mari A. Hufana