Official lacks decorum

A representative of a government agency found himself in hot water after he lashed out at a news reporter from a major TV network.

The government functionary lost his cool after the reporter did not ask permission to interview a Filipina beauty queen present at an agency event over the weekend in Pasig.

Worse, he tried to force the reporter to delete the video of the interview, which is just not done in a democratic government.

The newsperson, of course, did not heed the order as he rightly insisted, he had done nothing wrong.

Those who were present were dismayed at the government official’s actuations as they sympathized with the offended reporter.

In a social media post, the aggrieved journalist stressed that “respect isn’t optional — it’s the bare minimum.”

The journo also advised the official to “rethink your guest list,” if basic respect cannot be provided.

Mining tipping point

The local mining industry may just find the catalyst it has long needed through the United States which is looking for a stable source of nickel.

The US relies heavily on the metal to meet its long-term domestic needs, historically sourcing much of its supply from allies like Canada and Australia.

Rising demand necessitates diversifying import sources, a mining veteran indicated.

US industries that are heavy into battery production are seeking to diversify their sources of raw materials to mitigate risks like trade controls.

American firms are thus considering to secure suppliers from the Philippines, where Japanese companies are actively involved in nickel extraction and processing.

The Philippines is the world’s second-largest nickel producer and a US ally, which is a fit for a reliable supply source.

The Philippines last year had 29 producing nickel mines. Most of the production, however, was exported as ore, with over 96 percent going to China.

The Philippines also has two high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) plants owned by Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining.

In 2023, these two plants produced mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide, which was all exported to two Sumitomo Metal Mining refineries in Japan.

The Philippines will need new investors, specifically from the US, to build additional HPAL plants.

The US’ best bet is to invest in a US-owned, Japanese- and Filipino-operated HPAL plant in the Caraga region, where there were 16 producing nickel mines in 2023.

The estimated cost of an HPAL plant with 30,000 to 40,000 tons of nickel-contained capacity is at least $1 billion.

The trilateral alliance would be perfect in ensuring that American industries in the renewable energy era keep humming.

The Philippines has nickel mines; Japanese companies have processing and refining expertise; and the US has the capital.