ABORLAN, Palawan — DMCI Mining Corp. is closing in on its ambitious 3-million-wet-metric-ton (WMT) nickel ore production target for 2026, as its newly operating Long Point mine in Palawan boosts the company’s overall production capacity.
The Consunji-led mining company is targeting a record year after producing 2 million WMT of nickel ore in 2025, a 33% increase from the 1.5 million WMT recorded in 2024.
The company’s latest expansion centers on Long Point in Aborlan, Palawan, which began commercial operations in March 2026. The mine’s entry brought DMCI Mining’s active mine portfolio to three and raised its total operating capacity to roughly 3 million WMT annually.
The development is significant because the company had earlier identified Long Point as a major source of additional production needed to reach its 2026 target.
Palawan mine becomes key to DMCI’s growth
DMCI Mining President Tulsi Das C. Reyes previously said the company could achieve a historic production year if operations and market conditions remained favorable.
Earlier reports from GMA News and the Manila Bulletin said Long Point was expected to contribute roughly 1 million WMT, while the company’s Zambales operations were expected to account for the rest of the targeted output.
The company ships nickel ore primarily to China and other overseas markets, making international nickel demand and prices important factors in its performance.
The Philippine nickel market also entered 2026 with stronger price conditions. DMCI reported that the average benchmark price for Philippine free-on-board laterite nickel ore with a 1.5% grade increased to US$45.70 per WMT in 2025 from US$36.30, or about a 26% year-on-year increase.
Record production sets the stage
DMCI Mining’s 2025 performance provided a strong base for the 2026 expansion.
The company produced a record 2 million WMT of nickel ore last year, while shipments climbed 31% to 1.9 million WMT.
According to the company’s disclosures, the increase was driven largely by stronger production from its Zambales operations and initial contributions from Long Point.
DMCI Mining reported ₱4.1 billion in revenue and ₱882 million in net income in 2025, reflecting the recovery in nickel prices and higher operating volumes.
The company’s parent, DMCI Holdings, also reported that DMCI Mining contributed significantly more to the group’s earnings as the nickel business benefited from improved prices and increased production.
But there is another challenge ahead
While Long Point is expanding DMCI Mining’s production base, the company is also preparing for the eventual depletion of Zambales Diversified Metals Corp. (ZDMC).
Company officials said ZDMC is expected to reach depletion later in 2026, making the continued ramp-up of Palawan operations particularly important for sustaining overall production.
This means that reaching the 3-million-WMT target is not simply about adding another mine. DMCI Mining must also manage the transition between existing and newer operations.
The company has said it expects its Palawan operations to become increasingly important in sustaining growth over the coming years.
Environmental rehabilitation remains part of the story
DMCI Mining’s expansion also comes alongside continuing rehabilitation work in Palawan.
Its subsidiary Berong Nickel Corp. has rehabilitated more than 174 hectares at its Quezon development under what the company describes as the Philippines’ first approved Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan for a nickel mine.
The rehabilitation program is targeted for completion in 2027, after which the area is expected to be turned over to the government for potential future uses.
DMCI has also highlighted its environmental and regulatory commitments as it expands its nickel operations.
What happens next?
With Long Point now commercially operating and nickel prices remaining an important driver, DMCI Mining is positioned for one of the most consequential years in its recent history.
The company entered 2026 aiming to increase production by about 50% from its 2025 record and reach 3 million WMT.
Whether it ultimately gets there will depend on production performance across its mines, the transition from ZDMC, market conditions and the continued ramp-up of Long Point.
For Palawan, however, the expansion places the province at the center of DMCI Mining’s next chapter — and potentially its ability to maintain record-level nickel production beyond 2026.
WWC ONE MEDIA G.A
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