DMCI Mining sees hitting new record-high output in 2026
DMCI Mining Corp. expects to surpass its 2025 record production, banking on full operations at its Palawan mine and strong nickel prices.
Company president Tulsi Das Reyes expressed optimism about reaching at least 3 million wet metric tons (WMT) this year. If this were attained, it would be a “historical year” for DMCI Mining.
“I think if everything is done right, we should ship out 3 million WMT this year,” Reyes said. “If everything goes right within our organization, I think every year should be a historical year.”
The mining business of the Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc. reached a record nickel ore output of 2 million wet metric tons (WMT) in 2025.
That meant a 33-percent growth from 1.5 million WMT a year earlier.
Cargos surged by 31 percent to 1.9 million WMT last year, marking the second-highest level on the mining company’s record.
All minerals produced from DMCI Mining’s projects are exported to China, Japan and other markets.
The firm also noted that year-on-year, the average benchmark for Philippine free on board laterite nickel ore prices—for 1.5-percent grade—stood at $45.67 per WMT, up 26 percent.
Reyes said that prices have risen significantly as Indonesia opened its smelting industry to investors. This expanded the export market and enabled companies like DMCI Mining to sell lower-grade ore at competitive prices.
According to the company, growth was driven by higher output from its Zambales operations and the initial operations of the Long Point mine.
Reyes said the Zambales mine site is on track to produce 2 million WMT, while the Palawan mine site is expected to generate another 1 million WMT once fully operational.
In August last year, DMCI Mining subsidiary Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC) signed a mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The MPSA covers the Long Point mine in Palawan.
The agreement grants BNC the exclusive right to explore, develop and utilize mineral resources within the contract area spanning 2,177.34 hectares in Aborlan town. It has an initial term of 25 years and is renewable for another 25 years.
DMCI Mining is securing the necessary permits and approvals to bring the Long Point mine to full operation this year.
The company has invested about P1 billion since 2024 through BNC. This involved fleet expansion, port infrastructure, ongoing exploration activities and preoperating costs.
DMCI Mining also operates two mines in Santa Cruz, Zambales, which produce nickel ore, chromite and iron laterite using low-cost surface mining techniques.
