Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to responsible and innovative mineral development as the transition to a low-carbon economy accelerates worldwide.
In his opening address at the Philippines–Sweden Smart Mining Forum, Lotilla highlighted that the Philippines, as a resource-rich country, has both a responsibility and an opportunity to adapt to this shift, ensuring that mineral resources are developed responsibly while contributing to sustainable development.
The environment chief noted the global transition to a low-carbon economy and the rising demand for critical minerals essential to renewable energy, 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,” he stated.
“We recognize that the future of mining must be innovation-led and sustainability-anchored.”
“We recognize that the future of mining must be innovation-led and sustainability-anchored. We cannot speak of resource development without also speaking of climate change, equity, resilience, and governance. Technology, when applied wisely, is key to achieving this balance,” Lotilla added.
The Forum also marked the launch of the Philippine-Sweden Pilot Project in collaboration with a local mining company that integrates advanced, sustainable mining technologies.
The project aims to showcase how technology, sustainability, and global collaboration can improve the efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility of mining operations in the country.
Lotilla said the Department looks to international models, such as Sweden’s Kiruna iron ore operations, widely recognized as one of the world’s largest and most advanced underground mining sites.
He reaffirmed the administration’s support for a modernized and responsible mining sector, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message that the government upholds the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainable development as it applies to the mining sector.
Through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the DENR has implemented reforms such as DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2025-17, which streamlines permitting processes, and DAO 2025-10, which aligns Social Development and Management Programs with the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives aim to modernize the Philippines’ minerals sector governance.
The Department is also advancing the development of a national geospatial database for resource mapping and expanding the use of automation and remote sensing technologies to enhance transparency and compliance.
Despite these advancements, Lotilla acknowledged the ongoing challenge of building broader support for the value of responsible mining.
“Strengthening at the local government level the support for responsible mining and giving our people a chance at developing these resources in order to attain a better life for all,” he stated.
“I thank the mining sector’s support during calamities, which has helped communities recover from natural disasters.”
Lotilla also commended several mining companies for fostering the big brother-small brother cooperation which helps smaller mining operations achieve compliance and meet environmental standards. He further expressed gratitude for the mining sector’s support during calamities, which has helped communities recover from natural disasters.
The Smart Mining Forum builds on a series of high-level engagements between the Philippines and Sweden this year including the High-Level Philippine Mining Delegation to Sweden led by the DENR and the courtesy call of Her Excellency Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Anna Ferry. The Philippines-Sweden Mining Working Group also held an inaugural meeting which brought together key stakeholders to identify potential areas of collaboration.
