Philippines metal production seen to rise in 2019

MANILA, Philippines — The government expects the country’s metal output to recover this year as mining firms try to produce more to make up for lost time.

Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh said there is generally a positive outlook for the industry after the government lifted the suspension order on several mining companies.

“They have to make up for their losses especially during the time they did not operate, Teh told The STAR.

“We partially granted their motions for reconsideration and now these mining companies are showing that they are instituting remedial measures so they can start operating again,” she added.

In terms of value, metals production increased by 10 percent to P122 billion last year. 

However, in terms of quantity, major metal commodities posted declines.

Direct shipping pf nickel ore and mixed nickel-cobalt sulfides fell four percent to 25.9 million dry metric tons (DMT).