Memorandum of Cooperation on Mining Sector Completed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines

1. Overview

On Friday, November 3, 2023, METI and the DENR of the Philippines completed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) on the mining sector. Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Ms. Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, DENR Secretary, signed the MoC. A document exchange ceremony for the MoC was held corresponding to the visit of Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister, to Manila, the Philippines, and Mr. Hosaka Shin, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, attended the ceremony. The conclusion of the MoC is expected to contribute to enhancing Japan-Philippines collaboration to facilitate sustainable development in the mining and mineral resources sectors in the two countries. Japan and the Philippines will jointly hold public-private meetings in a continuous manner to confirm progress to be made on cooperative initiatives between the countries.

2. Outline of the areas of cooperation

Through this MoC, Japan and the Philippines seek to enrich cooperation in the mining sector, establish a framework to facilitate dialogues, and cooperate in the following areas:

• Improvement of mining policy on exploration, development and operation
• Sharing information on supply-demand of mineral resources, sustainable development of mining, research and development regarding critical minerals, etc.
• Security in the mining sector
• Appropriate environmental impact assessment
• Fair and appropriate business activities
• Improvements on the environment for investment with the objective of attracting investors

Related Material

• Memorandum of Cooperation on Mining Sector Between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Department of Environment and Natural resources of the Republic of the Philippines(PDF:102KB)

Division in Charge

Mineral and Natural Resources Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy