Japan's top nickel producer, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, said its Philippines Taganito nickel project shipped its first shipment to Japan in Late October.

It is reported that the first shipment is of 1,200 metric tons of refined nickel arrived on November 1st.

The full production of this project is expected to begin January 2014 with a reported estimate production of 30,000 tons for 2014 and 36,000 tons of nickel in 2016.

With the proposed Indonesia export ban on ore, Sumitomo Metal's smelter in Miyazaki prefecture may be affected as it secures 40% of its raw material from Indonesia.

Sumitomo's company president is quoted saying that if the ban happens, they will try to increase purchases from the Philippines and New Caledonia.