PHL nickel industry forges alliance with China's battery producers

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) on Sunday said it has inked an agreement with the Power Battery Application Committee of China Industrial Association of Power Sources (CIAPS-PBA) for possible joint ventures and investments moving forward.

The PNIA said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for strategic cooperation with the CIAPS-PBA for possible areas of cooperation among member companies of both parties.

"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 batter sector in the years to come," it said in an emailed statement.

Fitch Solutions Macro Research in September said that with Indonesia's nickel ore export ban, smelters in China will likely look to the Philippines as an alternative supply source.

"We believe that there is great opportunity for the nickel industry in the Philippines," said PNIA chairman emeritus Clarence Pimentel, Jr.

"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," he added.

The partnership with CIAPS-PBA, Pimentel said, would also cover information sharing on policies, trading and investments, for nickel ore that will impact the production of batteries for electric vehicles, with China the world's largest producer.

"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," Pimentel said.

"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," he added.

Established in 2012, the PNIA includes founding members 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. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News