MANILA – The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States to support local processing of the country’s critical minerals and rare earth sector.

In a news release Friday, the DENR said the agreement, signed by Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla and U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, aims to strengthen the country’s industrial base and integration into global supply chains by promoting domestic mineral processing and value addition.

The signing took place on Feb. 4 on the sidelines of the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, D.C., which brought together ministers and senior officials from 54 countries and the European Commission.

Lotilla said the partnership would also help cut raw ore exports and capture more value from the country’s mining sector.

“Through this partnership, we are building a Filipino-led industry that processes our own resources, creates high-skilled jobs, and strengthens our position in the global high-tech supply chain. We will be able to keep more of the economic benefits of mining within the country,” he said.

Critical minerals and rare earth elements are essential inputs for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, electronics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

With the agreement, the Philippines joins other countries that have entered into similar critical minerals agreements with the U.S., including Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, as well as Malaysia and Thailand in the ASEAN region, to secure a reliable and diversified mineral supply chain.

Lotilla said the initiative aligns with the DENR’s commitment to responsible mining, upholding environmental standards, and protecting local communities.

“By advancing critical minerals processing at home, the Philippines takes a significant step toward building a resilient, innovation-driven economy and securing its place in the future of global industry,” he said.