PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
05 May 2026, PERTH - Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, joined the Philippine mining executives in inviting members of the Australian Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services sector to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines during a Resources Forum organized by the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) at the sidelines of the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX2026) in Perth.
The event brought together representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Austrade and companies across key industries including mining, legal services, professional services, and renewable energy. The PH business delegation consisted of representatives from Sagittarius Mines, APEX Mining and Carmen Cooper.
In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Australia relations and the deepening Strategic Partnership focused on expanding trade and investment in critical minerals, green energy, agriculture, and skills development. He underscored the Philippines’ substantial untapped mineral wealth, alongside sustained reforms to strengthen investor confidence such as the development of a National Policy Framework for a Critical Minerals Industry to support responsible extraction, value-added processing, and long-term industrial upgrading.
Director Rose Marie Mendoza of the Board of Investments discussed the Philippines’ regulatory framework, investment pathways, and priority sectors for mining and mineral development. Foreign investors may hold up to 40% equity in Mineral Agreements, while 100% foreign ownership is permitted under Financial or Technical Assistance Agreements and for Mineral Processing Permits.
Catherine Gallagher, Austrade Southeast Asia General Manager, highlighted the Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and its focus on strengthening regional economic engagement and development opportunities across Southeast Asia. Dr. Robert Trzebski of Austrmine emphasized the role of the METS sector in advancing innovation, productivity, and operational efficiency in the global mining industry.
The first panel on Regulations, Policies for Investments, and Future Opportunities for Mineral Processing in the Philippines was moderated by Philippines Australia Business Council President Dennis Quintero and featured Luis Sarmiento (APEX Mining), Craig Annison (Xcalibur Smart Mapping), and Roy Deveraturda (Sagittarius Mines) as panellists.
The second panel on “Creating Competitive Edge with Resilient Supply Chains and Responsible Mining” was moderated by APBC Director Virma Symons and featured Yulo Perez (Carmen Copper), Matthew Pilbeam (NRW Holdings), and Ben Farquharson (DESWIK) as panellists.
The Philippines has 9 million hectares of mineral potential and is the world's top exporter of nickel ore and concentrates, accounting for over $1.8 billion in global trade. The country is also rich in chromite, copper and gold deposits.
With a number of Australian mining companies already operating in the Philippines, there is significant opportunity to deepen cooperation with Australia’s global leadership in ESG standards, innovation, and sustainable mining practices and the Philippines’ reform agenda and commitment to responsible resource development. - END
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