ABSTRACT
The Philippines is part of the Pacific fire belt with its own brand of porphyries. It has become a major copper producer over and above its significant gold production. The Philippines is not just a mineral exporter but is also a fuel and metal consumer of some consequence. The Philippine economy did not have a good year in 1976, but it was better than in 1975. The widespread occurrence and distribution of minerals have meant a great deal too economic development in the Philippines in terms of communities, roads, interisland shipping, engineering, training, and progress in industrialization. The Philippines is best known for exports of metal concentrates, mainly to Japan. A number of mining firms are predominantly Philippine, and most others have substantial Philippine equity. US involvement in mining began in pre-World War II days, but US companies have shown little interest since that time. Interisland shipping and access roads are difficult problems in Philippines mineral transport.
