IPILAN NICKEL CORP., the Palawan-based subsidiary of listed miner Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI), has begun its operations for calendar yr 2026 after completing its first nickel ore shipment for the yr.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, FNI said bulk carrier MV RU Cheng Shan departed Ipilan’s anchorage area in Brooke’s Point carrying 53,912 wet metric tons (WMT) of 1.3% low-grade nickel ore certain for China.
With favorable weather and operating conditions, FNI said Ipilan is targeting production of a minimum of 1.5 million WMT this yr.
The projected sales mix for the yr consists of 52.6% low-grade and 47.4% medium-grade nickel ore, in keeping with the corporate’s production targets and customer requirements.
“The commencement of shipments reflects the strong operational readiness of Ipilan’s mine site and its continued ramp-up under a comprehensive mine development program for the yr,” the corporate said.
FNI said mine development activities for 2026 include the expansion of mining areas, the development of additional haul roads, and the installation of environmental protection structures.
“These initiatives are integral to supporting the Company’s targeted production volumes while ensuring strict compliance with environmental and regulatory standards,” FNI said.
Ipilan operates under Mineral Production Sharing Agreement No. 017-93-IV, as amended in 2000, with the Philippine government, covering a contract area of two,835 hectares within the municipality of Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
FNI said it continues to coordinate with national and native government agencies and host communities “to be sure that mining operations translate into inclusive economic growth, employment generation, and sustainable community development.”
On the stock exchange on Thursday, FNI shares rose 0.52%, or one centavo, to shut at P1.92 apiece. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel