The Department of Trade and Industry has taken a major step toward positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for critical mineral processing.

According to the DTI, the Philippines—despite being a global leader in nickel production—has long been locked into a limited export model, with most minerals shipped overseas in raw form.

This has resulted in missed opportunities for industrial growth and heavy reliance on a single market.

To address this, the Philippines, through the DTI, has sealed a transformative partnership with the United States, aimed at strengthening the country’s critical minerals sector.

Following the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding in Washington, D.C. on 4 February, the DTI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are launching a unified “whole-of-government” approach to shift the country from a raw ore exporter to a high-value processing hub.

“The MOU is a major enabler for the Philippines to shift from simply exporting raw mineral ores to becoming a significant player in value-added processing. We are aiming more than just being a supplier; we are positioning ourselves as a vital link in the global supply chains for semiconductors, defense, and clean energy,” Roque said.

The MOU was signed on the sidelines of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting hosted by Marco Rubio, providing a framework for attracting investments through the Board of Investments to support mineral processing, refining, and downstream manufacturing.

The agreement is also expected to attract investments beyond mining, including power generation, logistics, and chemical handling.

In terms of technical and financial support, the partnership will provide access to US grants, feasibility studies, and joint geological mapping to modernize the local mining industry.

It is also expected to reduce overreliance on a single buyer by linking Philippine minerals to a broader network of more than 50 allied nations, while creating high-skilled jobs through technology transfer and advanced research initiatives.

For his part, DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the agreement reinforces commitments to environmental sustainability and responsible mining, including cooperation on technical expertise, financing, and innovation across the minerals value chain.

By integrating advanced recycling technologies and sustainable mining practices, the Philippines aims to strengthen its position as a “trusted and green” global supplier.

“Through this agreement, we expect to attract substantial and diverse investments that will develop the local workforce and strengthen our standing in the industries of the future,” Roque added.

The BOI said diversification is critical to national security and economic resilience, ensuring the Philippines captures greater value from its natural resources while supporting the global transition to clean energy.