Nickel mining operations in the Philippines could grind to a halt within 15 to 30 days if fuel supply disruptions persist, industry leaders warned, raising concerns over output and export stability.
Tulsidas Reyes, director of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and president of DMCI Mining Corp., said companies are bracing for worst-case scenarios as buffer fuel stocks dwindle. “A shutdown will have to occur. There’s no other choice,” Reyes said, noting that firms are prioritizing essential needs amid potential shortages.
He added that contingency measures vary across companies, depending on available reserves. In a prolonged supply crunch, Reyes said mining would likely take a back seat to critical sectors such as food and energy, recalling the resource constraints experienced during the 1970s.
PNIA President Dante Bravo called on the government to classify nickel mining as a priority industry, citing its economic contributions. “We are an export business… stabilizing foreign currency and generating jobs in areas where subsidies are not needed,” he said. While rising global nickel prices may help offset higher fuel costs, Bravo cautioned that sustained supply issues could still disrupt operations.
The industry has been working to diversify export markets, reducing reliance on China from about 90 percent previously to just over 60 percent. New and prospective agreements with the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and India are expected to broaden demand.
Despite the risks, Reyes pointed to the sector’s record 63 million metric tons of output in 2025, positioning the Philippines to benefit from a slowdown in Indonesia’s nickel production.
Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing global demand, PNIA said sustained investment, market diversification, and stable energy supply will be critical to keeping the industry operational.
