Local nickel mining companies are actively exploring opportunities for expansion, as expressed by industry leaders at the Mining Philippines Policy Forum on Thursday.
Eulalio Austin Jr., president and CEO of Philex Mining, said the company looks forward to exploring for nickel in Zambales and Pangasinan. Philex Mining has applied for exploration in a long-dormant area in Pangasinan and has begun technical evaluations in Zambales, aiming for completion next year. The company also anticipates the Silangan gold and copper mine to become fully commercial by 2026, although delays in equipment manufacturing from Europe and Australia have impacted timelines.
Dante Bravo, president of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI), noted ongoing discussions with Asian and European firms for potential nickel ore processing investments in the Philippines. He emphasized that leveraging Chinese technology and Indonesia practices could enhance efficiency and production volume in the Philippines, despite the need for policy reforms in the mining fiscal regime.
FNI, the country’s second-largest nickel ore producer, aims to diversify through investments in value-added nickel processing and cement manufacturing, while addressing the complexities of ore processing plant financing.
Both leaders underscored the potential for growth in the Philippine nickel sector, contingent upon regulatory improvements and strategic partnerships.
