The value of the Philippines’ metallic mineral production climbed to PHP 82.78 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 28.6% from PHP 64.35 billion recorded during the same period last year, data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) shows.
The increase was driven primarily by higher metal prices and improved output from selected commodities, particularly nickel ore, mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide (NCMS), and scandium oxalate.
Precious metals remained the country’s largest source of mining production value during the quarter.
Gold and silver generated a combined PHP 55.13 billion, accounting for 66.6% of total metallic mineral production value.
Nickel ore, together with NCMS and scandium oxalate, ranked second with a combined production value of PHP 20.89 billion, representing 25.2% of the total.
The strong showing highlights the continued importance of nickel-related minerals in the country’s mining sector. Nickel is widely used in stainless steel production and is also a key material used in many battery technologies.
NCMS, an intermediate product derived from nickel processing, is commonly used in battery supply chains and other industrial applications.
Copper placed third among the country’s metallic mineral commodities, contributing PHP 6.36 billion or 7.7% of total production value.
Meanwhile, chromite and iron ore contributed a combined PHP 410 million, accounting for the remaining 0.5% of total metallic mineral production value.
The first-quarter results indicate that both favorable commodity prices and stronger production volumes contributed to the sector’s performance.
The figures also underscore the growing importance of minerals linked to industrial development, electrification, and emerging energy technologies, particularly as global demand for battery materials continues to evolve.
As demand for metals used in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy technologies continues to grow, how can the Philippines maximize the economic benefits of its mineral resources while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices?
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