PEZA Drives Mineral Processing Ecozones for Value Addition in Mining

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is advocating for the establishment of mineral processing ecozones to promote value addition in the mining industry.

PEZA Director-General Tereso Panga stated that this initiative aligns with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs' prioritization of mining as one of the five key sectors for promotion.

The push for mineral processing zones comes in light of the lifting of the moratorium on new mining projects in 2021, which was delayed by the pandemic. These ecozones will focus on processing nickel for batteries, copper for wires and other byproducts, and iron ores for steel, with locations in Mindanao near the mineral sources, such as Isabel, Leyte, and Surigao del Norte.

Panga is set to accompany President Marcos Jr. on an official visit to Australia from March 2 to 4, where PEZA will promote the mining sector to global industry players.

Currently, PEZA operates a mineral processing zone in Claver, Surigao, where Taganito HPAL Nickel processes nickel ore.

Previously, the government announced the establishment of pharmaceutical zones to attract pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce healthcare costs in the country.