MANILA – Members of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) led by Chairman Emeritus Clarence J. Pimentel, Jr. forged a strategic cooperation with the Power Battery Application Committee of China Industrial Association of Power Sources (CIAPS-PBA) held in China recently. China, being the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles looks to the Philippine nickel mining industry as a strategic partner in the sustainable e-vehicle industry.
“We believe that there is great opportunity for the nickel industry in the Philippines. Aside from the country’s wealth of natural nickel reserves, champions of nickel mining are encouraged by developments that are vital in driving business and investment growth around the world,” Pimentel emphasizes as he led the discussion of the growing role of the Philippine nickel industry in the global landscape.
According to the International Nickel Study Group (INSG), the role of nickel in enabling a sustainable future presents opportunities for the Philippines. The industry remains robust and productive in trying to meet the global nickel ore demand to deliver the much needed impetus in many sectors that drive industrialization and sustainability around the world.
A Memorandum of Understanding for strategic cooperation with the CIAPS-PBA was also signed with the objective of promoting avenues for cooperation, networking, linkages and possible joint venture and investments among PNIA and CIAPS-PBA member companies. The MOU shall also provide a platform for possible collaboration on the development of a nickel industry roadmap that would highlight linkages and opportunities for the power battery sector in the years to come. Information sharing on policies, trading and investments for nickel ore that will impact the production of batteries for electric vehicles is also one of the main objectives of the MOU.
“We are glad to be a part of this strategic partnership and we look forward to the valuable output it will bring to both industries. Together we can make the industry more productive and sustainable and as such, will enable us to contribute more to each of our own country’s economies,” Pimentel further adds.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, mining contributed to the regional economies where they operated with a significant portion of 18% and 17% of the GDP of the Philippines Southern Luzon Region and North-East Mindanao Region, respectively in 2018. Moreover, mining operations are deeply integrated in the communities providing employment, enabling the growth of micro economies, and offering social services to complement the government’s health, education, livelihood and other civic programs.
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association, Inc., or PNIA was established in 2012 to serve as the single voice of the industry in promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the local industry. Founding members of PNIA include Agata Mining Ventures, Inc., Carrascal Nickel Corporation, Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation, CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, DMCI Mining Corporation, Marcventures Mining Development Corporation, and Platinum Group Metals Corporation.
For more information about PNIA, please visit www.philippinenickel.org
For media inquiries:
Ms. Charmaine Olea-Capili
Executive Director, Philippine Nickel Industry Association
pnia.info@gmail.com
Marivic Ching
Media Relations
marivicching@rebelmarketing.com.ph