Politics · Philippines Bureau
Benguet's aging mines drag on regional economic growth
Government economists say declining mineral output from aging mines is hampering economic expansion in the northern Philippines province. Benguet recorded just 3.3 percent growth in 2025, with its legacy mining sector struggling to maintain productivity.
LSN Philippines ·
BAGUIO CITY — Benguet's economic growth slowed to 3.3 percent last year, with government economists attributing the sluggish expansion partly to declining output from the province's aging mining operations, officials said Wednesday.
The province, home to the Philippines' first mining ventures established during the American colonial period, has long relied on mineral extraction as a key economic driver. However, deteriorating conditions at mature mining sites have increasingly constrained production and weighed on overall provincial output.
Economists briefed officials on the slowdown, noting that the aging infrastructure and declining yields from legacy mining operations represent a significant headwind for Benguet's economic performance. The 3.3 percent growth rate underscores the challenges facing the region as it confronts the limitations of its traditional resource-extraction base.
The findings highlight the need for economic diversification in Benguet as its established mining sector faces structural constraints from aging facilities and depleting reserves. Government officials are likely to face growing pressure to develop alternative economic drivers to sustain regional growth momentum.