The country’s metallic mineral production surged by 22.8 percent year-on-year in 1Q 2025, reaching ₱63.88 billion, driven primarily by strong gold, silver, and iron ore output, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Gold led the rally, contributing ₱40.88 billion or nearly 64 percent of the total value—a 54.4 percent increase from 1Q 2024. Silver and iron also posted double-digit gains in output, with iron ore production jumping 61.16 percent.
In contrast, nickel, copper, and chromite underperformed. Nickel and its by-products fell 17.7 percent in value to ₱14.9 billion, while copper rose modestly by 7.8 percent to ₱6.89 billion, despite a decline in production volume.
The MGB’s data highlights market-driven gains in precious metals amid volume declines in key industrial minerals, underscoring ongoing shifts in global metal demand and local production dynamics. The Q1 performance points to commercial resilience in the sector, with implications for investor sentiment and export revenue forecasts in 2025.
