Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), the operating arm of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI) in Surigao del Norte, kicked off its 2025 operations with the successful dispatch of its first nickel ore shipment of the year, bound for Indonesia.
The shipment, carried by MV YUE DIAN 59, departed the PGMC anchorage area on April 30, transporting 56,625 wet metric tons (WMT) of low-grade nickel ore.
The ore has a nickel content of 1.25% and iron content below 20%. This initial dispatch marks the start of what PGMC anticipates will be a productive year for its mining and export operations.
While China continues to be the largest market for Philippine nickel, FNI is expanding its international customer base.
The company noted a significant increase in demand from Indonesia, which is ramping up its domestic processing capacity. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen FNI’s market presence and mitigate risk by diversifying its client portfolio.
For 2025, PGMC aims to complete a total of 91 nickel ore shipments, translating to five million WMT, subject to weather and operating conditions. The expected sales mix includes 47% medium-grade and 53% low-grade ore.
FNI reaffirmed its commitment to being one of the country’s leading nickel producers, contributing to the growth of the Philippine mining industry while supporting regional development in Surigao del Norte.
In December last year, PGMC received the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) Platinum Achievement Award – Surface Mining Operation Category and was voted 1st Runner-Up in the Best Mining Forest Contest – Metallic Category at the 70th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City.
Established under Executive Order No. 399 (1997), the PMIEA honors the “exemplary efforts of the mining groups and companies in the country in achieving environmentally and socially responsible mining operations.”
“These awards reflect our strong commitment to align our operations with the highest standards of environmental protection, social inclusivity, and workplace safety,” said FNI President Dante R. Bravo.
PGMC strictly adheres to best practices and works closely with regulators to ensure compliance with all legal and environmental requirements.
It holds an Environmental Compliance Certificate with an approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan (FMR/DP), Annual EPEP, 5-Year Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), Annual SDMP, and Safety and Health Program (SHP), among others.
MiningNewsPhilippines.com