Sweden and the Philippines forge pioneering partnership for sustainable mining

Business Sweden and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner in advancing sustainable, safe, and efficient mining operations in the Philippines, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila said in a news release.

Harald Fries, Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, underscored the significance of sustainable mining in both nations.

“We believe that together, we can redefine mining practices to ensure they are sustainable, safe, and economically viable, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” Chargé d’affaires Fries said at the signing ceremony.

Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, said Sweden is committed to sustainable mining as it both addresses climate change and fosters economic growth.

“Mining has been a pivotal industry for both Sweden and the Philippines, supporting a range of sectors globally and identified as one of the keys to sustaining global action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Secretary Jevrell said.

Mr. Ramon T. Santiago, PMSEA board member and treasurer, said his association is dedicated to enhancing mining safety and environmental standards in the country. He also collaboration is important to achieving responsible mining practices that benefit both the industry and the communities it impacts.

According to Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova, the country’s mining industry has only in a few decades become safe, more climate-friendly, and productive.

“At the same time, the challenges for this industry are increasing. In order to reach the goal of being a fossil-free industry by 2045 and also meet an ever-increasing demand for metals, major changes are still required. This applies within the mining industry, throughout trade and industry and at societal level,” Vinnova said on its website.

Business Sweden and PMSEA said they are committed to working together to drive sustainability, safety, and efficiency in the mining industry. They said the collaboration will lead to significant advancements in environmental protection and safety standards.

Mr. Emil Akander, Trade Commissioner and Head of Region at Business Sweden-Singapore, said Sweden is committed to become a pivotal partner to the Philippines in its pursuit to advance sustainability and accelerate the green transition of the mining industry.

“Through this collaboration, Sweden seeks to support the Philippines with a wide range of initiatives paving the way for significantly safer, productive and sustainable mining operations,” Mr. Akander said, as he provided an overview of the Sustainable Mining Collaboration in the Philippines, highlighting the mutual benefits and shared goals of the partnership.

Mr. Fries of the Sweden Embassy said this collaboration is just the beginning. “Together, Sweden and the Philippines can lead the way in demonstrating that sustainable mining is not only possible but essential for our shared future,” he said.