DMCI Mining eyes boost in ore production in 2025 with new mines

DMCI Mining Corp., a unit of Consunji family’s conglomerate, is expecting to expand its operations with the anticipated full operations of its two new mines this year.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, DMCI Mining said its unit Zambales Chromite Mining Company (ZCMC) —located in Santa Cruz, Zambales— has commenced operations in December 2024 and is expected to reach full operational capacity by the first quarter of 2025.

ZCMC operates under an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) which permits an annual production limit of one million wet metric tons (WMT).

In Palawan, DMCI Mining said its unit Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC) is preparing to restart production through its Long Point mine in Aborlan town —now in its final stages of securing its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

“Our two new mines, ZCMC and BNC’s Long Point, mark a long-anticipated step forward for DMCI Mining. With increased production capacity and the Long Point port nearing completion, we are confident in delivering improved operational and financial performance this year,” said DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes.

“We’re targeting a combined annual production capacity of three million WMT from our three mines, including Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC)…,” added Reyes.

ZDMC operates an open-pit mine in the municipalities of Sta. Cruz and Candelaria, Zambales. ZDMC was allowed to expand its production from one million WMT to two million WMT under an ECC.

Meanwhile, DMCI Mining said rehabilitation efforts for BNC’s site in Quezon, Palawan which began in 2022 remains on track for completion by 2027 under the six-year program.

BNC’s Quezon mine was fully depleted in 2021.

DMCI Mining is a wholly owned subsidiary of DMCI Holdings Inc. It extracts nickel ore through surface mining.

The company ships nickel ore directly to markets in China and other countries. DMCI Mining’s assets include BNC in Palawan and ZDMC and ZCMC.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News