Fueling job growth, boosting regional economy

THE mining industry emerged as a powerful driver of employment and economic growth, said National Economic and Development Authority Mimaropa (NEDA Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Regional Director Agustin Mendoza during the Provincial Information Office or PIO Palawan Stakeholder's Congress on Mining and the Environment, held last week.

With nickel and copper dominating production in both volume and value in the metallic minerals-rich Mimaropa region, the mining industry provided jobs for 7,000 to 9,500 individuals before the pandemic. This number rose significantly after the lockdowns with over 12,000 people employed in 2022 alone.