Miners decry proposed policy on contract awards

A proposed joint circular from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) might undermine the government’s efforts to make the Philippine mining industry a major driver of economic growth, according to industry players.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association warned that DOE-DENR Joint Administrative Order No. 2026-01 could introduce regulatory uncertainty and additional investment risks.

The draft circular outlines the framework for evaluating and awarding contracts and other rights related to the country’s natural resources.

“Policy stability and adherence to the rule of law are the bedrock for business and investment growth,” the two groups said in a joint statement on Thursday.

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“If new and questionable provisions create uncertainty and fear, and make investing costlier in terms of involving project financing and asset valuations, among other things, then the government’s efforts to attract investors and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and his push to make the minerals industry as a stronger pillar of economic development would be for naught,” they added.