Nickel miners in the Philippines are voicing concerns over the potential for a premature ore export ban, warning that it could hinder the development of value-added processing within the country and jeopardize its competitiveness in the global market. They argue for a more strategic approach that focuses on creating a favorable investment climate, upskilling the workforce, and carefully navigating geopolitical and market risks.
Nickel miners in the Philippines have voiced concerns over the renewed push for an ore export ban as part of mining fiscal regime reforms. They argue that such a policy might not effectively address the industry's real challenges in developing value-added processing capabilities within the country. The Philippine Nickel Association Inc. (PNIA), the nation's largest group of nickel mining companies, has urged the Marcos administration to reconsider its plan for a premature ore export ban .
The association emphasizes the need for the government to first create a competitive environment that attracts investments in value-added processing (VAP) before implementing restrictive measures.Dante Bravo, president of PNIA, contends that an export ban would further exacerbate the uncertainty already faced by potential investors. He cites existing challenges such as ease of doing business, lengthy permitting processes, and the lack of harmonization between national and local policies. Instead, Bravo calls for swift action to capitalize on global nickel opportunities, warning that the Philippines risks falling behind as competitors like Indonesia, Brazil, and Australia intensify production and attract foreign investments.Bravo further warns of geopolitical and market risks associated with an export ban. He cautions that it could drive buyers to alternative suppliers and undermine the Philippines' competitiveness amidst evolving trade policies and shifting demand for nickel. He reiterates the association's support for the government's aim of developing a more advanced nickel industry but stresses that an export ban is not a timely policy at present. Bravo urges a focus on creating the right environment to attract the necessary investments and enable value-added processing within the Philippines. He argues that a proposal like an ore export ban, while appealing, overlooks the regulatory and business challenges that make value-added processing in the Philippines difficult to implement.Bravo cites Indonesia's experience with an ore export ban as a cautionary tale. He points out that Indonesia, unlike the Philippines, secured a substantial number of investors committed to its mining industry growth before implementing the ban. Indonesia also boasts a favorable investment climate, robust infrastructure, and strong government support, allowing it to quickly scale up processing capacity. Bravo highlights the Philippines' lack of these advantages, emphasizing the lengthy permitting process (over 10 years) that could deter investors seeking a more attractive regulatory environment.He proposes a more strategic approach, beginning with a comprehensive mapping of nickel resources to identify the quality and quantity suitable for value-added processing. He also stresses the need to upskill mining engineers to prepare them for processing activities. Bravo concludes by acknowledging the complexities of the proposed ore export ban in the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics and ongoing trade tensions. He cautions that the growing uncertainty in global trade, particularly regarding potential trade tariffs, could jeopardize the competitiveness of Philippine nickel exports.
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