Manila and Stockholm Strengthen Bilateral Relations on Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals

Manila and Stockholm have committed to collaborating on sustainable mining practices and the development of critical minerals crucial to the global clean energy transition. The partnership between the Philippines and Sweden aims to enhance mining efficiency and sustainability by leveraging the Nordic country's expertise in green and responsible mining. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry met to discuss technology transfer and research collaboration opportunities, emphasizing the goal of advancing the Philippines' low-carbon and climate-resilient transition. Discussions also centered on strengthening environmental and social standards in mining operations, promoting circular economy practices, and reducing waste.

Key Takeaways:

• The Philippines and Sweden agreed to deepen cooperation on sustainable mining and the development of critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition.
• The partnership aims to leverage Sweden's expertise in green and responsible mining to advance the Philippines' low-carbon and climate-resilient transition.
• Discussions focused on technology transfer and research collaboration, as well as strengthening environmental and social standards in mining operations.
• The Philippines' mining industry has seen significant growth, with the gross value added (GVA) reaching P50.1 billion in the first half of 2025.
• Mineral exports during the same period totaled roughly $4.96 billion, accounting for about 8.9 percent of the country's total exports.
• The Philippines' mineral development goals are being aligned with Sweden's expertise, aiming to enhance mining efficiency and sustainability.
• The Geological Survey of Sweden highlighted Sweden's value as a strategic partner for the Philippines in advancing responsible mineral development and clean mining technologies.

Statistics:

• The Philippines' mining industry GVA reached P50.1 billion in the first half of 2025.
• Mineral exports during the same period totaled $4.96 billion, accounting for about 8.9 percent of the country's total exports.
• iron ore mined in the European Union: 90 percent
• Philippines' mining industry's contribution to the country's GDP: 0.72 percent
• Sweden's iron ore production: nearly nine-tenths of all iron ore mined in the European Union

Sources:

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
• Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry
• Geological Survey of Sweden
• Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)