Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said President Marcos Jr.’s recent working visit to Canada has resulted in more than PHP124 billion, approximately USD2.2 billion, in prospective investments for Philippine mining, critical minerals, and energy sectors.
Roque, who accompanied the President during the high-level discussion, said the investment plans are from seven Canadian firms. Once these projects push through, Roque said they will create jobs, expand mineral processing, strengthen energy security, and support the country’s industrial development.
Roque said the seven Canadian firms collectively represent about CAD29.5 billion ($20.7 billion) in market capitalization and approximately USD2.2 billion in existing investments in the Philippines.
Of the prospective investments, Roque said one of the largest proposals came from OceanaGold which accounts for a USD75 million investment program for 2026 and a projected USD1.958 billion in cumulative investments for its Philippine operations through 2037.
B2Gold likewise announced a $13.9 million expansion of its Masbate Gold Project, including additional mineral exploration and the expansion of a 10-megawatt solar power facility.
Meanwhile, CVMR Corporation proposed modular nickel refineries worth about $175.3 million per module to process locally mined nickel into battery-grade materials, generating jobs and supporting downstream manufacturing.
Emergent Waste Solutions also introduced waste-to-value facilities requiring more than $60 million in investment per plant, alongside technology transfer, workforce training, and local supply chain opportunities.
At the same time, AtkinsRéalis shared its expertise in civil nuclear technology to support the Philippines’ long-term clean energy goals, while Electra Batteries and Hatch Ltd. explored partnerships to strengthen the country’s critical minerals value chain, battery materials industry, and industrial infrastructure.
In her opening remarks, Secretary Roque underscored the Philippines’ readiness to partner with Canadian companies across the entire mining and critical minerals value chain. She also highlighted the Marcos Jr. administration’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s investment climate through key reforms while ensuring that resource development remains responsible, sustainable, and beneficial to local communities.
“Through the CREATE MORE Act, the Public-Private Partnership Code, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, we are creating a more competitive and predictable environment for investors. As we unlock opportunities in mining, critical minerals, and clean energy, we remain firmly committed to responsible resource development anchored on environmental stewardship, strong governance, and meaningful community engagement to achieve long-term, inclusive growth,” she added.
The discussions form part of the government’s broader investment promotion efforts to attract high-value projects and position the Philippines as a preferred destination for critical minerals, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and other high-growth industries.
