
Bengaluru, India—India’s Kiri Industries Limited (KIL) is exploring aninvestment in the Philippines to develop an integrated copper smelting, refining, and fertilizer production facility. Discussed in collaboration with Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI), the potential project aligns with the country’s broader goals of industrial transformation, job creation, and agricultural resilience.
The expression of interest was conveyed during a meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and KIL Chairman and Managing Director Manish Kiri, along with the company’s senior executives at the Taj West End, Bengaluru, India.
The potential investment will complement the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments’ (DTI-BOI) Green Metals initiative, which leverages the Philippines’ rich mineral resources, including copper, nickel, and cobalt, to develop responsible and sustainable processing industries that support the global shift to clean energy.
According to DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, the investment is seen as more than just a capital infusion.
“This has the potential to become a legacy investment that transforms our critical minerals sector into a value-adding, job-generating, and agriculture-supporting engine for national growth. Kiri’s vision is in line with our Bagong Pilipinas agenda — it is green, inclusive, and deeply connected to the development of our rural communities,” said Secretary Roque.
KIL Chairman and Managing Director Manish Kiri said the Philippines presents an ideal environment for this long-term venture.
Once realized, the investment is expected to strengthen the critical minerals value chain while simultaneously providing direct benefits to the local agricultural industry. ♦
Date of Release: 16 August 2025