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Philippines says US, China eye mining chances, especially in nickel

China and the United States are among numerous countries that have expressed interest in tying up with the Philippines to exploit mining opportunities, particularly in nickel, the environment minister stated on Friday.

The southeast Asian nation is aiming to follow neighbouring Indonesia, which tempted major financial investment in processing plants for its huge deposits of nickel ore, after prohibiting unprocessed exports in 2020.

The Philippines must boost its capacity for processing nickel, a key element in production of EV batteries, the minister, Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, stated.

Sadly, the country currently has just 2 nickel processing plants, which highlights the need for specific steps, included Loyzaga, whose ministry likewise supervises mining.

Both plants are partially owned by the Philippines' greatest ore manufacturer, Nickel Asia Corp.

. Australia, Britain, Canada and European Union nations had shown interest in the Philippines, the minister added.

Processing its nickel ore output would be the perfect scenario for the Philippines, stated Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and the time was right as the nation seeks to add worth to its production of minerals

This energy transition concern has actually made our important minerals. not just a financial value proposal, however also has ramifications for energy security, nationwide security, Balisacan told press reporters on the sidelines of a mining forum.

With its large untapped mineral deposits, the Philippines is studying possible incentives for mining business, he added.

The latest government figures reveal that the Philippines, a. major supplier of nickel ore to leading metals consumer China,. produced 35.14 million dry metric heaps in 2015, a boost of. 19% on the year.

(source: Reuters)