Strong metal prices boost 2025 PH output value by 18% to P301B
The Philippine metal sector delivered a strong performance last year, with the output value rising by almost a fifth, largely due to surging metal prices.
Metal production increased by 18.2 percent to P301.32 billion in 2025 from P254.94 billion a year ago, according to data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The country’s output has been on an upward trajectory since 2020.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) said last year’s production is “primarily price-driven” rather than gains in production volume.
“Gold and silver posted strong value gains and nickel remained a major contributor. Volume growth was more measured across most commodities,” COMP chair Michael Toledo said in a message on Viber.
“It’s a solid performance, but it also shows how sensitive the sector is to global price cycles,” Toledo said.
The value of gold output jumped by 29 percent to P163.7 billion last year. This, despite the production volume falling by 8.8 percent to 26,325 kilograms.
Miners produced 44,599 kg of silver, down 17.5 percent.
However, its production value increased by 7 percent to P3.11 billion.
The volume of nickel ore meant for direct shipping rose by 5.6 percent to 37.81 million dry metric tons (DMT).
Meanwhile, the value of nickel ore output dropped by 18.1 percent to P69.36 billion.
The value of copper concentrate produced eased by 2.3 percent to P26.63 billion. Meanwhile, the output volume fell by 9.7 percent to 231,885 DMT.
Toledo said the industry’s sustained growth will depend less on prices and more on new investments and the development of new mining projects.
“Recent policy reforms aimed at improving fiscal stability and streamlining permitting are steps in that direction,” he said.
In an earlier report, the MGB said that various factors will shape the industry, including the global demand for critical minerals. This is particularly the case with nickel and copper, of which the Philippines holds substantial reserves and which have strategic importance in the global supply chain.
Global metal market conditions and price volatility will likewise influence investment decisions, production strategies and overall industry performance, the agency added.
The MGB said that continued government policy reforms and improved regulatory frameworks, coupled with the new fiscal regime for large-scale mining, are expected to strengthen investors’ confidence and ensure responsible resource development.
“Moreover, advancing value-added processing within the country is essential, as it will enable greater economic returns and support downstream industries,” it added.
