Lifting of ban on new projects one less hurdle to mining revival

The local mining industry has one less roadblock on its way to revival after President Duterte lifted a nine-year moratorium on new mineral agreements between the government and the private sector. Duterte signed Wednesday Executive Order (EO) 130 lifting a moratorium on new mineral agreements imposed in 2012, reopening the door to fresh mining investments […]


Miners’ groups welcome lifting of ban on new mining projects

MANILA – The Chamber of Mines in the Philippines (COMP) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) have lauded the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to lift the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects. “We welcome the lifting of the moratorium on new mining projects –in place for nearly nine years– in this time of […]


PH to fall short of nickel supply to China

The Philippines will unlikely meet China’s nickel ore requirements despite the resumption of several mining operations in the country, according to an S&P analysis. The S&P Global Market Intelligence industry report said Philippine mined nickel output is expected to rise over the next five years as producers try to meet Chinese nickel ore demand. However, […]


100% Conformity: Intertek Commends Agata for Exceeding Targets and Customer Expectations

Agata passes Intertek Integrated Management System Surveillance Audit with 100% conformity Santiago, Agusan del Norte / March 2021 – Following its successful track record in obtaining ISO certifications in previous years – and the spirit of teamwork across its ranks – Agata concluded its recent virtual Integrated Management System (IMS) Surveillance Audit and was commended by […]


Nickel prices to come off highs in 2021, Fitch Solutions says

NICKEL PRICES are expected to come off current highs in 2021 as more supply becomes available to the market, but will be underpinned by recovering economies, Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research said. In a report, Fitch Solutions upgraded its 2021 average nickel ore price forecast to $15,750 per ton, from $15,250 previously. “Prices […]


EVs, home appliances to push demand for nickel

The nickel industry is optimistic of this year’s prospects due to rising demand from foreign markets driven by infrastructure, electric vehicle (EV) and home appliance equipment manufacturing. This is despite a14-percent decline in production in 2020 brought about by the enhanced community quarantine between March and May 2020 where movement of mineral products were limited […]


Nickel output drops in 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The local nickel industry is expected to bounce back this year after a challenging 2020 that pulled down production volume amid the pandemic. The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said production last year reached 18.5 million dry metric tons (DMT), down 14 percent from the 2019 level of 21.6 million DMT. The […]


Foreign demand seen to boost nickel industry

THE country’s nickel industry is projected to have a strong year in 2021 as demand from foreign markets is expected to improve despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Philippine Nickel Industry Association President Dante R. Bravo said the group was optimistic that rising nickel consumption would continue because of the demand from the infrastructure […]