Mining Industry Expansion to Drive Future Energy Demand in Mindanao
The mining industry's expansion in Mindanao is projected to drive future energy demand, as stated by Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno. Magno and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin discussed the necessity of maintaining a stable power supply to meet rising energy needs due to economic growth.
Their meeting emphasized securing firm baseload capacity and accelerating renewable energy deployment, particularly solar power with battery storage. Philex Mining Corp. plans to begin mineral production at its Silangan copper-gold project in March 2026, while Sagittarius Mines, Inc.'s $5.9 billion Tampakan project is delayed due to an open-pit mining ban.
Mindanao's peak energy demand rose from 1,600MW in 2014 to nearly 2,600MW in 2024, with the current power grid comprising 69% fossil fuels and 31% renewable energy. MinDA aims for a 50:50 energy mix by 2030.
