Enviro News Asia, Baguio City — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to responsible, innovation-driven mineral development as the global shift toward a low-carbon economy accelerates. Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla delivered the message during the Philippines–Sweden Smart Mining Forum, which brought together Philippine and Swedish officials, industry leaders, and mining stakeholders.
Secretary Lotilla underscored that the Philippines, as a resource-rich nation, carries both the responsibility and opportunity to align its mineral development strategies with global climate goals. He noted the increasing worldwide demand for critical minerals vital to renewable energy systems, battery technologies, and green infrastructure.
“The challenge before us is to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship so that our mining sector contributes to a sustainable future,” Lotilla stated. He emphasized that the future of mining must be innovation-led, sustainability-anchored, and grounded in strong governance. “We cannot speak of resource development without also speaking of climate change, equity, resilience, and governance,” he added.
A key highlight of the Forum was the launch of the Philippines–Sweden Pilot Project, developed in collaboration with a local mining company to integrate advanced and sustainable mining technologies. The initiative aims to demonstrate how technological innovation, strengthened international cooperation, and sustainability principles can enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility in mining operations.
Secretary Lotilla also pointed to international best practices, particularly the technological advancements in Sweden’s Kiruna iron ore operations, recognized globally as among the most advanced underground mining systems.
The Secretary reaffirmed the Philippine government’s support for a modernized and responsible mining sector, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainable development. Through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the DENR has introduced reforms such as Administrative Order 2025-17, streamlining permitting processes, and Administrative Order 2025-10, aligning Social Development and Management Programs with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Department is also advancing a national geospatial database for mineral resource mapping and expanding the use of automation and remote sensing technologies to enhance transparency, compliance, and data-driven governance.
Despite these advancements, Lotilla acknowledged the ongoing challenge of building public and local government support for responsible mining. He emphasized the need to strengthen community engagement, promote equitable benefits, and expand local understanding of the role of minerals in the low-carbon transition.
He also commended several mining companies for fostering big brother–small brother partnerships, which help smaller operators meet environmental standards and compliance requirements. Additionally, he recognized the sector’s continued assistance to communities affected by natural disasters.
The Smart Mining Forum builds upon growing bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Sweden, following the High-Level Philippine Mining Delegation’s visit to Sweden earlier this year and the inaugural meeting of the Philippines–Sweden Mining Working Group, which identified new opportunities for collaboration in technology, sustainability, and minerals governance. (*)
