ERIA and Partners Convene International Forum to Advance Critical Minerals Investment in ASEAN

Jakarta, 5 June 2026: The International Investment Forum on Critical Minerals was held on 4-5 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was co-hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, the ASEAN Secretariat, ERIA, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with Australia, Japan, and the United States.

The forum was attended by H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; Engr. Michael V. Cabalda, Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines; Mr Hideaki Iwasaki, Director General of Sectors Department 1 (Energy and Transport) at the Asian Development Bank; and H.E. Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA.

More than 120 participants from ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partner countries, multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, the private sector, academia, and think tanks joined the forum. The event aimed to identify priority investment opportunities across ASEAN's critical minerals value chains, strengthen regulatory readiness in line with international standards, and promote international co-operation in support of ASEAN's Priority Economic Deliverable 6 on the Critical Minerals Strategy for Regional Resilience and Sustainable Growth.

Over 2 days, participants examined the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities associated with critical minerals investment. Discussions covered ASEAN's geological endowments and downstream development potential, as well as regulatory and institutional barriers affecting investment. Participants also explored responsible mining practices, traceability requirements, national and regional policy strategies for investment diversification, financing mechanisms, and practical pathways for implementation.

Speakers highlighted ASEAN's significant resource potential, including substantial reserves of nickel, rare earth elements, tin, and bauxite. At the same time, they emphasised that unlocking the region's full potential will require stronger policy coherence, enhanced institutional capacity, and more predictable regulatory frameworks to attract long-term investment.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive critical minerals value chains across ASEAN. Participants underscored the importance of moving beyond resource extraction towards higher-value activities, including midstream processing, responsible sourcing, and downstream manufacturing. Achieving these objectives will require strategic international partnerships, targeted investment, and innovative financing solutions.

ERIA and its co-hosts reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners through evidence-based policy research, regional co-ordination, and investment facilitation efforts aimed at strengthening the region's critical minerals ecosystem.