Nickel output growth in 2026 likely flat

Philippine nickel production is expected to remain relatively unchanged this year, as erratic weather conditions and subdued global prices continue to weigh on the country’s mining industry.

Dante Bravo, president of Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), said the sector was unlikely to see a significant increase in output in 2026, partly due to unpredictable rainfall disrupting mining activities.

In 2025, the volume of nickel ore meant for direct shipping rose by 5.6 percent to 37.81 million dry metric tons (DMT).

Also, the value of nickel ore output dropped by 18.1 percent to P69.36 billion.

Both volume and value improved significantly in the first half of 2026, with nickel direct shipping ore output increasing by 25.6 percent to 19.24 DMT and its value surging by 47.5 percent to P42.18 billion.

Asked whether nickel production could surpass its 2025 level, Bravo said he was uncertain but expected output to remain broadly stable.

Nickel prices have also remained under pressure, Bravo said, limiting the industry’s prospects for stronger production growth.

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He added that competition among buyers could help support prices, particularly as Indonesia continues to expand its processing capacity.

Beyond raw ore exports, PNIA is pursuing closer cooperation with Indonesian mining groups to attract investments in domestic nickel processing.

Bravo said the proposed collaboration could allow Philippine miners to produce semi-processed nickel products for further processing in Indonesia, where lower energy costs and established industrial facilities provide an advantage.