[ferro-alloys.com]Total Philippine metallic mineral production value advanced by 4% in H1 2018, from

PhP52.42 billion to PhP54.57 billion year-on-year, or an increase of PhP2.14 billion. The positive trend was brought about by the improved metal prices in the world market.

In terms of percentage contribution to the overall production value, gold, nickel and copper sub-sectors were the primary players. Gold took the lead accounting for 41%, or PhP22.35 billion, of the total production value. Nickel and nickel products followed with 39%, or PhP21.18 billion, and copper with 19%, or PhP10.40 billion. The remaining 0.01% or PhP0.64 billion came from the combined output of silver and chromite.

Production of nickel direct shipping ore declined by 12% and 1% in volume and value,

respectively, from 133,332 metric tons, valued at PhP9.91billion, to 116,781 metric tons,valued at PhP9.80 billion. Among the nickel mines, Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation in Palawan, SR Metals, Inc. in Agusan Del Norte, and Carrascal Nickel Corporation in Surigao del Sur suffered the largest shortfalls at 64%, 55% and 45%, respectively.

Still on nickel production, major producers like Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation in Palawan, and Taganito Mining Corporation in Surigao Del Norte, also incurred production setbacks both in volume and value.

In addition, SR Metals, Inc. has indicated that from April to October of this year operations will be limited to care and maintenance only. Other nickel mines that are still in care-andmaintenance status include: 1) H.Y. Nickel-Chromite Project - Sinosteel Philippines H.Y.Mining Corp.; 2) Wellex Area II Nickel Mining Project - Vista Buena Mining Corporation/Wellex Mining Corporation; 3) Nonoc Nickel Project - Pacific Nickel Philippines, Inc.; and 4) Isabela Nickel Mining Project - Geogen Corporation.

All things considered, it is essential to note that of the 29 nickel mines, 11, or almost 38%, reported zero production, whether due to suspended operations or were under care/maintenance status.

Likewise, mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide reported lower plant output in H1 2018 from 26,789 metric tons valued at PhP10.08 billion in 2017 to 24,454 metric tons valued at PhP11.38 billion year-on-year. Taganito HPAL Project reported production cutback of 16% from 16,349 metric tons to 13,750 metric tons in 2018, down by 2,599 metric tons. 

• [Editor:王可]