By Othel V. Campos | Manila Standard | September 3, 2026 10:00am

(PHOTO: MANILA STANDARD)

DMCI Mining is on track to meet its 2026 target of 3 million metric tons of nickel ore production, as operations in Palawan and Zambales sustain output despite seasonal weather disruptions.

DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes said the company had already shipped about 1 million tons from its Long Point operation in Palawan in three months, while its Zambales operations had produced about 1.6 million tons for the year.

“We’re on track for this year,” Reyes said, expressing confidence that the company will meet its 3-million-ton target.

Production in Zambales is expected to slow temporarily amid heavy rain, with operations typically stopping seasonally before resuming in the fourth quarter. In Palawan, shipments are also expected to taper toward year-end.

DMCI Mining sees room to increase output well beyond 2026 as its Zambales chromite operation is expected to scale up, potentially adding about 1 million tons, while Zambales Diversified Metals Corp. is nearing completion of its final mine rehabilitation phase.

Reyes said the group’s production next year will likely remain around 3 million tons unless it opens a new mine or secures additional opportunities to expand capacity.

The company said it is also keeping its production mix flexible depending on market conditions. In a weaker market, it could favor higher-grade ore, while stronger demand could allow it to sell more lower-grade material to boost volumes.

Demand remains firm, particularly from China-linked markets. Reyes said the first half of 2026 was focused largely on Indonesia, but China is expected to account for the majority of shipments in the second half.

He said that of the roughly 60 million tons of nickel ore produced annually in the Philippines, at least 40 million tons could ultimately go to China, either directly or through Indonesia, where Chinese companies have invested heavily in nickel-processing facilities.

Source: Manila Standard