BAGUIO CITY —The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) recently signed a strategic cooperation with the Power Battery Application Committee of China Industrial Association of Power Sources (CIAPS-PBA) to develop a sustainable e-vehicle industry.
In a chance interview at the sidelines of the 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference, PNIA chairman emeritus Clarence J. Pimentel Jr. confirmed this development.
“I just came back from China myself with the PNIA. I signed an agreement with the China Power Batteries Association and a lot of our executives have moved forward to that direction,” Pimentel told reporters.
“The government is trying to be able to invite more investment to the country and it’s easing up a little bit. I’m hoping that next year we’ll see a step forward,” he noted.
The signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation with the CIAPS-PBA was intended to promote avenues for cooperation, networking, linkages and possible joint venture and investments among PNIA and CIAPS-PBA member companies.
Pimentel said the MoU will also provide a platform for possible collaboration on the development of a nickel industry roadmap that would highlight linkages and opportunities for the power battery sector in the years to come.
Information sharing on policies, trading, and investments for nickel ore that will impact the production of batteries for electric vehicles is also one of the main objectives of the MoU.
“We are glad to be a part of this strategic partnership and we look forward to the valuable output it will bring to both industries. Together we can make the industry more productive and sustainable and as such, will enable us to contribute more to each of our own country’s economies,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel underscored that there is a great opportunity for the nickel industry in the Philippines.
“Aside from the country’s wealth of natural nickel reserves, champions of nickel mining are encouraged by developments that are vital in driving business and investment growth around the world,” Pimentel underscored.