Geochemical prospecting was conducted in ihe Philippines from February to November 1962 as a joint United Nations-Bureau of Mines project.

Approximately 5,000 samples representing Philippine soil and stream sediments were collected, most of which were analyzed for copper, lead and zinc; a few, which represent type samples for gold, palladium, nickel and mercury are presently under study. Preference was given to copper as it led the 1961 metal production; zinc and lead whose occurrence is largely ignored were also considered.

The campaign in Eastern Mindanao reported variations in the copper content of stream sediments. Zinc showed relatively low values; lead usually fell below detection values. Several drainages showing above normal copper content deserve priority ln further prospecting. Normal and detailed stream sediment sampling supplemented with bank soil sampling conducted in known mineralized areas often disclosed the source of various stream anomalies.

Soil sampling methods applied in areas representing different terrains and environmental conditions showed various dispersion patterns.