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A New Era of Mining in the Philippines: Unlocking the Country’s Potential

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s landslide election a year ago has opened a new chapter in the Philippine mining sector. the Marcos Jr Administration recognizes the importance of the mining industry in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting foreign investments. They believe that responsible mining practices can coexist with sustainable development. Unlike previous administrations’ resistance to mining, the Marcos Jr Administration has prioritized the revitalization of the mining sector. This shift in policy has brought about a new era of mining in the Philippines, unlocking the country’s potential for economic growth and development.The government’s prioritization of the revitalization of the mining sector has unlocked the country’s potential for economic growth and development. The Philippines can harness its rich mineral resources while safeguarding the environment and the rights of local communities. With careful planning and implementation, the mining sector can become a catalyst for sustainable development in the country.

Unexploited mineral resources to be explored
The Philippines is one of the countries with the richest mineral resources in the world. It is estimated that the country has approximately $1 trillion in undeveloped copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and silver reserves. Only 5% of these reserves are being explored, and 3% are covered by mining contracts.
Due to the mining policies of the Marcos Jr Administration, the mining industry in the Philippines is rebounding. In 2022, metal production increased by nearly 32% year-on-year. The total export value from 2020 to 2022 was 18.7 billion US dollars, accounting for 8.51% of the country’s total exports.
The Administration hopes that the mining industry in the Philippines will adhere to responsible and sustainable mining practices. It aims to strike a balance between protecting the environment, benefiting local communities, and supporting the government’s socio-economic agenda. It is particularly enthusiastic about restoring minefields and gradually recovering them.
At a time of high mineral prices and strong demand for key minerals, these developments send a welcome signal to potential investors and businesses interested in the country’s vast resources.
The Philippines has 56 metal mines and 7 processing or smelting plants (see Table 1). The Bureau of Mines and Earth Sciences of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources predicts that there may be another 190 mining projects in the next four years.

Table 1. Operating metal mines and processing plants/smelters in the Philippines

Source: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Bureau of Mines and Geology

The revitalization of the mining sector has already started to yield positive results. New mining projects have been approved, and existing mines are being reopened and expanded. This has created employment opportunities for thousands of Filipinos, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. The increased mining activities have also stimulated local economies, boosting infrastructure development and generating tax revenues for the government.

Mining projects in the Philippines
The following are some of the main mining projects under development and construction.

Silangan Project in Surigao del Norte
Silangan Mindano Mining Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Philex Mine, is developing this underground mine. The feasibility study for the mine planning phase was completed in January 2020. Mining is expected to begin in March 2025.

Tampakan copper/gold mine
The Sagittarius Mining Company (SMI) mine is a priority project for the national government. It is located between Tampakan, South Cotabato and Kibarawan in South Davao in the south of Mindanao.
This project is the largest undeveloped minefield in Southeast Asia. It is estimated to contain 15 million tons of copper and 17.6 million tons of gold. Feasibility studies and permits, including environmental compliance certificates, have been completed. The project has started facility construction and engineering design work. The expected start date is 2026.

King-king Copper-Gold Project
Saint Augustine Gold and Copper Industry Co., Ltd. is developing the King-king Copper Gold projects in Davao de Oro. It is expected that within the 25 year mining and processing life, the company will recover 3.16 billion pounds of copper and 5.43 million ounces of gold. The environmental impact report and assessment are currently underway.

Mabilo gold/copper project
RTG Mining Company is the international partner of the project, located in Camarines Norte. The feasibility study and drilling have been completed. Financial discussions are ongoing.

Mankayan gold/copper mine
IDM International is an international partner for this project, located in Benguet. Two boreholes have been completed, with a total of 62 technical holes drilled.
These projects provide important opportunities for exploration, exploration, extraction, refining and processing, as well as restoration.

There are broader opportunities:
Geological surface mapping and sampling
Geophysical survey and geochemical analysis
Overall design of the mine
Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management
Mine closure and restoration.

Philippine Mining Exhibition
There are two major mining exhibitions in the Philippines this year.
Philippine Mining International Conference and Exhibition, Manila, September 19-20, 2023.
Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Baguio, November 14-17, 2023.