It was a slow start for the metallic sector as production value declined to PhP51.81 billion in Q1 2024 from PhP59.39 billion in Q1 2023, a substantial PhP7.58 billion shortfall. This was mainly attributed to metal price cutbacks and the slowdown in mine production.
In terms of contribution to the total metallic mineral production value, gold took the lead with 52.01% or PhP26.95 billion, while the collective output of nickel ore and other nickel by-products settled for the second spot with 33.78%, or about PhP17.50 billion, share. Copper came in third with 12.15% or PhP6.30 billion. The consolidated value of silver, chromite, and iron ore accounted for about 2.05% or PhP1.06 billion of the total production value.