The value of the country’s metallic mineral production climbed 15.1 percent to P135.62 billion in the first half of 2025, lifted largely by soaring gold revenues, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported on Monday.
Gold accounted for nearly 59 percent of total output, valued at P79.82 billion, a 45.6 percent jump from P54.8 billion in the same period last year. Production rose 6.2 percent to 14,493 kilograms from 13,652 kg.
“Gold has been the sector’s clear driver, more than offsetting weaker results elsewhere,” the MGB said.
Nickel ore and its by-products—including mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide and scandium oxalate—ranked second at P39.9 billion, or 29.4 percent of total value. But this was down 15.9 percent from P47.42 billion a year earlier, amid lower volumes and weaker prices.
Direct shipping ore output plunged 23.9 percent to 12.12 million dry metric tons (dmt).
Copper contributed P13.7 billion, or 10.1 percent of output, up 3 percent from P13.3 billion last year despite a 15.2 percent decline in concentrate volume to 120,389 dmt.
The combined value of silver, chromite, and iron ore reached P2.22 billion, slightly lower than P2.28 billion a year earlier.
Still, silver production grew 3.4 percent to 24,038 kg, while iron ore output more than doubled, surging 140.1 percent to 76,354 dmt. Chromite, however, fell 37.1 percent to 45,943 dmt.
Other nickel-related products also weakened: mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide dropped 2.4 percent to 38,515 dmt, while scandium oxalate collapsed 56.3 percent to 2,420 kg.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) credited stronger performances in gold, silver, and copper for cushioning the slump in nickel.
“We are cautiously optimistic about the second half of the year,” COMP chairman Michael Toledo said. “Momentum can continue, provided that global demand and metal prices hold firm, and operations remain unhindered. But external risks—from economic shifts to weather disruptions—could temper gains.”
