MANILA, Philippines - Philex Mining Corp. shipped out P9.51 billion worth of metals in 2009, the mining firm announced on Tuesday.

In a statement, Philex said the value for its shipment in December jumped 59.1% to P910 million compared to last year's P572 million as metal prices rose in the world market.

For the month, Philex said it produced 9,347 ounces of gold worth P496 million, 2.79 million pounds of copper worth P406 million, and 9,790 ounces of silver worth P8 million.

Philex earlier said that the projected operating life of its Padcal mine has been extended by another 3 years (from the previously declared 2014 to 2017) based on the proved reserves of the mine as of June 30, 2009.

The mining firm said it has also ramped up exploration activities in its Bayugo prospect in Surigao del Norte province.

Bayugo and the Boyongan copper-gold deposit are within the Silangan property in which Philex has a 50% interest. The remaining stake is held by its 81% owned Canadian unit, Philex Gold Inc.