Trucks load rocks and soil containing nickel ore minerals into a barge in the mining town of Sta Cruz in Zambales, Feb. 8, 2017. — REUTERS

JAKARTA — The nickel associations of Indonesia and the Philippines on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding on nickel cooperation, Indonesia’s coordinating ministry of economics said.

The agreement includes the exchange of information, joint development of nickel downstream processing technology, and human resource development to support a sustainable nickel industry ecosystem, the ministry said.

The signing was witnessed by Indonesia’s chief economics minister Airlangga Hartarto and the Philippines’ trade and industry secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque.

“The Philippines will no longer be only an exporter of raw nickel ore as it will be integrated into a higher-value regional supply chain, while Indonesia will secure a reliable supply for its battery and stainless industries,” Mr. Airlangga said.

Indonesia exported $9.73 billion of nickel products last year, Mr. Airlangga said, adding that smelters in Indonesia required supplies with the proper silicon-to-magnesium ratio which can be supplied by the Philippines. — Reuters

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