The Board of Investments (BOI) is looking at replicating the world-renown Canada’s Sudbury City model in the development of the Philippines’ critical minerals sector to be able to participate in the .
During an investment mission to Canada, BOI officials led by Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa met with the Mayor of Sudbury and its Economic Development Office to discuss the city’s mining and mineral processing ecosystem. The Sudbury model is reputed to be among the top in the world.
The discussions highlighted the potential for the Philippines to replicate the Sudbury model as it develops its own critical minerals sector in key mining areas.
Part of the investment promotion was a roundtable discussion with Canadian companies entitled, “The Future of Mining and Mineral Processing in the Philippines” on March 5, 2025. The event was attended by about 40 participants, representing government and private representatives in mining and mineral processing industry.
The delegation also visited a Canadian R&D facility specializing in developing new technologies for metal refining which indicated strong interest to explore establishing operations in the Philippines, further intensifying the country’s drive as a forward-thinking player in the critical minerals sector.
Part of the meeting was a high-level meeting with Canadian officials and industry leaders at the sidelines of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025.
The discussions, which focused on strengthening trade relations and exploring innovation partnerships, mark a pivotal step toward expanding bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Further on creating strategic partnerships, the BOI delegation met with representatives of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) in charge of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative. The conversation opened avenues for industrial collaboration, including opportunities for MSME development in the automotive, mobility, and mining sectors as well as workforce development.
The Philippine delegation continues to engage with relevant business stakeholders in Canada.
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BOI Deepens Trade Ties and Explores Innovation Collaborations with Canada at PDAC 2025
In photo: Minister Mary Ng of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development of Canada (third from left) together with the BOI and PTIC Toronto team at the Canada Pavilion at PDAC 2025
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TORONTO, CANADA — As part of the Philippine government’s continued effort to advance the country’s critical minerals sector,
In the meeting with Minister Mary Ng of the Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development of Canada on 3 March 2025, the BOI delegation, led by BOI Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa and International Investments Promotions Service Director Lanie Dormiendo discussed opportunities to bolster bilateral relations and support strategic initiatives of mutual interest to both countries.
Minister Ng emphasized the benefits of strengthening trade relations between Canada and the Philippines, particularly as the country advances its trade diversification strategy—targeting a 50% increase in exports to diversified markets. These partnerships also open doors for greater investment and collaboration in Canada’s innovative and sustainability-driven sectors, such as critical minerals production and processing. This mutual understanding is especially reassuring as both countries have agreed to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
In photo: The Philippine Delegation with Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre and the Sudbury Economic Development Office
The BOI delegation also engaged with the Mayor of Sudbury and its Economic Development Office to discuss the city’s mining and mineral processing ecosystem that is reputed to be among the top in the world. The discussions highlighted the potential for the Philippines to replicate the Sudbury model as it develops its own critical minerals sector in key mining areas.
Further on creating strategic partnerships, the BOI delegation met with representatives of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) in charge of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative. The conversation opened avenues for industrial collaboration, including opportunities for MSME development in the automotive, mobility, and mining sectors as well as workforce development.
The Philippine delegation continues to engage with relevant business stakeholders in Canada. A roundtable discussion with Canadian companies entitled, “The Future of Mining and Mineral Processing in the Philippines” was held on 5 March 2025 and was attended by about 40 participants, representing government and private representatives in mining and mineral processing industry. The delegation also visited a Canadian R&D facility specializing in developing new technologies for metal refining which indicated strong interest to explore establishing operations in the Philippines, further intensifying the country’s drive as a forward-thinking player in the critical minerals sector.
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In photo: (L-R) Acting Chief Engr. Graciela Juatco of the BOI, Director Carlo Antonio Co of PNIA, President Cris Acosta of Filminera Resources Corp., Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa of the BOI, Director Atty. Ross Joseph Romanillos of PNIA, President Atty. Dante R. Bravo of PNIA, Director Lanie O. Dormiendo of the BOI, and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani of PTIC Toronto
TORONTO, CANADA—
For the second consecutive year, the Philippines, through
The Philippines has made an offensive campaign for critical minerals investments in Canada as it showcases for the second time in Canada the country’s critical mineral resources that need more capital for further local manufacturing.
strong presence at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025, as it underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the country’s critical minerals sector through strategic collaboration and networking.
The Philippine Delegation included key representatives from the BOI, led by Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa and International Investments Promotions Service Director Lanie Dormiendo, alongside the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), headed by President Atty. Dante Bravo. The country’s participation is supported by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, with Consul General Angelica Escalona, Economic Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani of the Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC) in Toronto.
The delegation showcased the country’s potential as a premier destination for investments in critical metals, which aligns with the government’s broader goal of developing the mining and mineral processing industry, advancing technological innovation, and supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
In photo: BOI Executive Director Halili-Dichosa during her presentation at the “Accessing New Markets” session at PDAC 2025
One of the key engagements of the BOI at PDAC 2025 was at the “Accessing New Markets” session with Executive Director Halili-Dichosa as one of panelists. This event was organized under the Mine Connect program at the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase on 4 March 2025, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The session explored emerging opportunities in international mining markets and strategies for industry expansion.
The BOI executive provided insights into the Philippines’ current industry landscape, government policies, and investment opportunities. She shared the stage with Canada’s Trade Commissioners and private sector representatives from Mongolia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Africa—key mining powerhouses that Canadian companies are encouraged to consider for investment.
During the three-day PDAC event, the Philippine delegation actively participated in a series of meetings, panel discussions, and networking sessions with government and industry leaders from across the globe. The activities offered valuable insights into emerging industry trends, investment strategies of global industry players, the future of mining, and potential collaboration between the agencies and industry of Canada and the Philippines. Engagements included meetings with key companies from Australia, Canada, and the UK that are involved in critical minerals, battery materials, and mining innovation. -END-
