Philippine Board of Investments takes critical minerals pitch to IMARC 2026 in Sydney

A BOI delegation led by Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo is seeking Australian investment in critical minerals and downstream manufacturing at IMARC 2026 in Sydney, as approved Australian investments rose 657.3% to ₱1.57 billion in January to September.

The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) is seeking Australian investment in critical minerals and downstream manufacturing at the International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC) 2026 in Sydney, which runs from 27 to 29 October, Mining.com.au reported on 26 October. Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo is leading the delegation.

Rodolfo said Australia's mining expertise could complement the Philippines' mineral resources, manufacturing base and engineering workforce, and could open up opportunities across mineral processing, advanced materials and clean energy.

"Australia is an important economic partner of the Philippines, and we see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and other high-value industries," Rodolfo said in the BOI's announcement.

Investment figures

• Approved BOI-registered investments from Australian investors reached ₱1.57 billion from January to September 2026, a 657.3% increase from ₱207.9 million in the same period in 2025.
• The BOI said the growth was driven primarily by administrative and support services, wholesale and retail trade, and information and communication activities.
• Around 240 Australian companies operate in the Philippines, employing around 68,000 people, in sectors that include mining and resources.

What is scheduled in Sydney

The BOI said a highlight of the mission will be the Philippine country presentation, "Building Integrated Industrial and Resilient Ecosystems: Advancing Growth through Philippines-Australia Cooperation on Strategic Industries". The delegation will also take part in the Philippine Mining Roundtable, the proposed BOI-Austmine engagement, and meetings with investors, financial institutions, industry organisations and government stakeholders.

The mission builds on Executive Order No. 122, which established the National Policy Framework for Developing the Critical Minerals Industry. According to the BOI, Section 8 of the order mandates the board to formulate and implement the development strategy for value-adding critical minerals investments.

Mining.com.au noted that the campaign has not yet translated into a disclosed project pipeline, with the BOI yet to name prospective investors or targets for commitments from the Sydney conference.

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