This covers the exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources.

Exploration of mineral resources including those covered by mineral agreements may qualify for pioneer status.

Mining, quarrying and/or processing of metallic and non-metallic minerals (except those involving riverbed operations, cave mining and beach mining)

ITH may be granted to domestic or export-oriented mining projects engaged in any of the following:

a. Mining and/or processing of metallic minerals

The mining and/or mineral processing projects require a process or technology other than the normal or usual processes or technology to mine and/or process the minerals, without which, the resource will not be developed or the mining activity will not be possibly undertaken.

For copper and gold project, a hurdle on the magnitude of investments equivalent to US$50 million for gold and US$300 million for copper.

For nickel, chromite and iron projects, an additional processing step that will add further value to the mineral end product is required (e.g., ferro-nickel, mixed sulfides, nickel pig iron, ferrochrome, refractory bricks).

b. Quarrying and/or processing of non-metallic minerals

Must support a domestic downstream industry, e.g., clay for ceramic manufacturing, silica for glass manufacturing

For processing of marble and/or other dimension stones, must export at least fifty percent (50%) of production, if Filipino-owned or at least seventy percent (70%), if foreign-owned

Mere quarrying of non-metallic minerals and processing of aggregates are not entitled to ITH.

All projects must have a mine life of at least ten (10) years.

All projects must locate outside the National Capital Region and must have the necessary permits/licenses from appropriate government authorities.

Back to the Board Of Investments BoI, Check out 2010 Investment Priorities Plan to see which businesses can avail of tax incentives