Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC), a subsidiary of DMCI Mining Corp., has signed a mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), covering its Long Point property in Aborlan, Palawan.
The MPSA, issued under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, grants BNC the exclusive right to explore, develop, and utilize mineral resources within the 2,177.34-hectare contract area for an initial term of 25 years, renewable for another 25. The agreement will take effect upon registration with the MGB.
Describing the corporate and community significance of the agreement, Tulsi Das C. Reyes, president of DMCI Mining, said: “The MPSA is not just about resource development. It’s about creating shared value with the people of Palawan through responsible mining.”
Reyes also emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive growth and environmental stewardship, drawing parallels with BNC’s landmark rehabilitation program at its decommissioned mine in Quezon, Palawan.
The Long Point project, which holds an environmental compliance certificate for an annual production capacity of 1 million wet metric tons (WMT), is scheduled to commence operations by fourth quarter this year. Since 2024, BNC has invested roughly ₱1 billion in pre-operating costs, exploration, port facilities, and equipment.
The mine is expected to create over 1,000 jobs, with hiring priority for local and indigenous communities. BNC has already launched training programs to prepare candidates for full-time operational roles.
This development further strengthens DMCI Mining’s asset portfolio in Palawan, where it holds a 74.80 percent effective stake in BNC. The remaining interest is owned by Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp.
The MPSA serves as a critical regulatory milestone enabling BNC to monetize Long Point’s nickel resources. It reinforces DMCI Mining’s strategy of responsible expansion and value creation through sustainable operations, aligning with the company’s broader push to capitalize on international demand for nickel.
DMCI Mining, a unit of DMCI Holdings, operates nickel mines in Zambales and is actively developing additional Palawan assets, including Long Point.
