Mineral Resources in the Philippines

 

Reporter:Jason C. Duria BEEd III-A

The Philippines in terms of mineral resources is being

attributed to its location at the western fringes of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. Globally, we

are ranked 5th as most mineralized country in the

world.

Around 9 million hectares, of 30 million hectares, are believed to

contain important metallic mineral deposits. The country’s estimated mineral reserves are

placed at about 14.5 billion metric tons of metallic minerals.

Among our important metallic minerals found in abundance in various parts of the country include gold, copper, nickel, silver.

The most prolific copper and gold producers in the Philippines are found in the Baguio

and Mankayan districts, province of Benguet; although the Surigao-Davao districts are also contributing much to

Philippine gold production. Major producers of nickel are in Palawan and Surigao.

The Metallic Minerals

MINERAL RESOURCESMinerals are natural substances -- usually

comprising "inorganic element or compound, having an orderly internal structure and

characteristics, chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties" (NAMRIA-DENR, 1991). Any concentration of these minerals, with a potential economic value

that can be extracted at a profit, is considered a mineral resource.

The metallic minerals

GoldSilver

CopperNickel

ChromiteIron

Gold

It is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable and ductile metal.

Baguio and Paracale, Masbate, Surigao and Masara

Jewelries, Metal and Optics coating

One of the most popular mineral in the world because of its value. Used in making rings, necklaces and more. Popular looking like a

Gold bar. Rumors says that Yamashita hid his Gold here in the Philippines.

Copper

It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical

conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; a freshly

exposed surface has a reddish-orange color. It is used as a

conductor of heat and electricity.

Surigao Del Norte (Philex Mining)

Common Use: Electrical Application, Construction, Antibacterial, Coins and

sculptures.

Almost 65% of produced copper is used in Electrical Applications because copper is popular with its high conductivity. Has a

distinct color of reddish brown.

Silver

Common Use: jewelry, silverware, dental industry,

photographDescription: Silver is actually

the highest electrical and thermal conductor. but not typically use because of its higher price than copper.

Nickel

It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden

tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard

and ductile.

South of Luzon, Coto, Zambales Northern Luzon Common Use: Metal Additive, Chemical use Description: It is one of the most important mineral that is used in alloy making. Added because of its hardness and allows less oxidation and corrosion to a metal once added with chromite.

Iron

Iron

Iron ore, one of the Philippines’ largest mineral deposits, is not being extracted at present. This was due to the higher cost of production, making the local prices of iron not competitive to world prices.

Metallic production value rose substantially in 2014, from

PhP99.38 billion in 2013 to PhP137.53 billion during the

review period, representing a 38% growth or PhP38.15 billion

increase.

During the period, nickel (direct shipping ore and mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide) accounted for 58.05% or PhP79.84 billion of the total production value. Gold is in far second with 23.97% or PhP32.97 billion. Copper followed with 16.55% or PhP22.76 billion. Silver, chromite and iron attributed for the remaining 1.42% or PhP1.96 billion.

In most facets of the mining activities, there is always the potential for environmental and ecological problems -- from the construction of mining facilities, the extraction of ore, to the processing of minerals.

The launching of a mining project spurs local and regional economic development as mining firms invest in road infrastructure, utilities, and other facilities within the mine site. Contributes to the country's foreign-exchange earnings through exports. The industry provides additional revenues for the government through taxes and fees paid on mining and other related activities.

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