Since 1953, there have been over 50 porphyry copper discoveries in the Philippines, 30 of which have been explored and developed into either producing mines or deposits ready for development and operation.

The wealth of information gathered from these discoveries as they become exposed during mining operations, together with the enhanced knowledge of the regional geology of the country brought about during the intensive survey work in 1960 by both the Bureau of Mines and the private sector, has provided a clearer picture, not only of the geological aspects and pattern of distribution and occurrences of these unique deposits, but also of their distinctive tectonic habitats and, possibly, of their genesis.