Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI), a prominent listed mining firm, is focused on securing government approval for the amendment of its environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for its Ipilan Nickel Corp. operations in Palawan.
In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, FNI president Dante Bravo said that the company has applied for an ECC amendment that would double the production capacity of the Ipilan Nickel mine, increasing its annual output limit from 1.5 million wet metric tons (WMT) to 3 million WMT. This move is expected to significantly boost the company’s operations and economic impact in the region.
“The approval of the ECC amendment will not only enable higher production levels, but will also create additional jobs, generate increased royalty shares for Indigenous Peoples in the host and impact barangays, and enhance government tax revenues,” Bravo said.
FNI operates a mineral production sharing agreement with the government in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, covering over 2,800 hectares. The company has already secured the necessary certificate precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and is in the process of renewing its local business permits.
The proposed expansion of Ipilan Nickel’s output aligns with FNI’s broader strategic goals, including significant increases in ore shipments. On January 17, the company commenced shipments of nickel ore to China, with the MV Maple Unity leaving with 60,117 WMT of medium-grade nickel ore. If the pace continues, FNI anticipates up to 40 vessel shipments for the year, with a mix of medium and low-grade nickel ores.
Bravo emphasized that these developments are part of FNI’s long-term growth strategy, which also includes investments in value-added nickel processing, cement manufacturing, and port operations.
The potential for increased production and revenue is expected to strengthen FNI’s position in the global mining market while providing substantial economic benefits to local communities and stakeholders.
