Introduction to the Concept of Philippine Strategic Minerals:
The case of copper

Claro Jose C. Manipon,

Supv. Science Res. Specialist, MGB

Abstract

Since the establishment of the Bureau of Mines during the term of Pres. Aguinaldo, the Philippines have not yet adopted a formal definition of “strategic minerals”. Today, this concept may become increasingly suitable to the national interest because the Philippines have a rapidly growing population and a continuous record of positive economic growth while mineral products are rapidly consumed. Minerals are vital inputs to agricultural growth that feed the population and economic activities that provide jobs and create wealth. The concept of strategic minerals in the Philippine context is herein introduced and defined as: (1) those minerals, locally found or not, that are rapidly being depleted or presently of insufficient quantities that are critical to the country’s medium to long-term industrial / manufacturing needs and food security; and (2) locally found minerals that are important to the political and economic interests of other nations. As an example, the case of copper is studied in more detail. Since 1991, the Philippines have become a net importer of copper concentrates at an average annual cost of around US$200 million. This is despite the fact that drilled and un-mined copper deposits in the Philippines total more than 20 million tons of copper metal. Meanwhile, an assessment of undiscovered porphyry copper deposits in the Philippines by the USGS indicated 90 million tons more of possible contained copper metal. This indicate that Philippine copper deposits are under utilized resulting in unnecessary drain in Philippine dollar reserves This paper also shows that copper may not be a strategic mineral according to the first criteria because of bountiful supply. However, it could be deemed so under the second criteria because a foreign power has signified its interest in the copper endowment of the Philippines. The use of the concept of strategic minerals can guide economic planners in the proper utilization of our mineral resources, in securing the raw materials for our economic survival and growth and in the way we conduct trade with other nations.