Phl-Indonesia nickel alliance powers energy transition

The Philippines and Indonesia have launched the IndoPhil Nickel Corridor, a partnership that seeks to create a fully integrated nickel value chain to support the global energy transition.

The corridor aims to set firmer industry standards, boost investor confidence, and position the two countries — the world’s top nickel producers — as a unified force in global nickel markets.

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and Indonesia’s Asosiasi Penambang Nikel Indonesia (APNI) said over the weekend that the deal will align policies, attract investments, enforce responsible mining, and accelerate downstream processing and value-added industries.

The IndoPhil Nickel Corridor signals the region’s strategic role in supplying nickel for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. It positions Philippine and Indonesian nickel as reliable, accountable, and investment-ready for the growing clean energy market.

PNIA Executive Director Charmaine Olea-Capili said the partnership aligns with ASEAN’s Principles for Sustainable Minerals Development, emphasizing minerals’ role in energy, mobility, infrastructure, and digital transformation, while strengthening environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

“While this partnership was initiated by industry, we were deliberate in making sure our cooperation is anchored in and responsive to ASEAN’s direction,” Olea-Capili said.

“So we set out five collaboration pillars to turn those regional principles into practical industry action: sharing data and policy perspectives; creating platforms for industry dialogue; facilitating industry learning and exposure; supporting capability, human capital, and ESG development; and ensuring cooperation remains adaptive as priorities evolve.”

Olea-Capili added that the partnership’s priorities — covering governance, ESG and sustainability alignment, investment promotion, talent development, and community engagement — are designed to send a clear signal to investors, governments, and other stakeholders that the IndoPhil Nickel Corridor is a credible, responsible, and long-term supply source.

“These priorities show that APNI and PNIA are serious about building a nickel value chain that people can rely on to support the energy transition, deliver shared prosperity, and earn long-term trust,” she said.