Gold production in CAR down in 2018

April 21, 2019 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY- Gold production in the Cordillera region dropped to 3,089 kilograms in 2018 from 3,436 kilograms in 2017, and valued at P6.598 billion and P7.101 billion in 2018 and 2017, respectively, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera (MGB-CAR) said.
The low grade of ore and the low recovery of metallic minerals by mining companies were among the reasons for the decrease in production, MGBCAR senior economist Vivian Romero said.
Topping the list of 2018 gold producers in the region were: Padcal Copper-Gold Project of Philex Mining Corp with P4.223 billion for 1,970 kilograms; followed by Lepanto Consolidated with P1.684 billion for 816 kilograms; Benguet Corporation with P538.074 million for 273 kilograms; and Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. with P151.129 million for 71.73 kilograms.
In 2016, the region produced a total of P8,245,814 billion for 4,246 kilograms. Meanwhile, silver production showed a remarkable increase in 2018 with a total value of P124.223 million for 5,057.41 kilograms, and Lepanto Mining as the primary producer.
Copper production reflected a decrease of P3.589 billion for 55,423 metric tons compared to P4.682 billion in 2017 for 65,300 metric tones.
In 2016, the region produced a total of P3.781 billion for 88,969 metric tons. Non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel and lime also decreased from P577.140 million in 2017 to P68.250 million in 2018 for 1,148,824 and 577,140,646 metric tons, respectively.

Primo Agatep/ABN