DMCI Mining Corporation reported a drastic drop in nickel shipments during the first half of the year, as its two operating subsidiaries remained suspended during the period.

From 873,371 wet metric tons (WMT), the combined nickel shipments of Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC) and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC) fell 71 percent to 257,120 WMT. The shipped nickel ore came from the stockpiles of the two firms.

DENR allowed suspended mining companies to ship out their stockpiles to limit the possible accumulation of silt in nearby bodies of water.

At the start of the year, ZDMC had around 360,465 tons of ore stockpile while BNC had 939,088 tons.

Average selling price of nickel ore during the first semester rose 27 percent from $28/WMT to $35/WMT due to the shrinking stockpile in China coupled with the significant growth in stainless steel production.

“We have 1,042,433 tons more in our stockpile but the rainy season and large sea swells will make it very difficult for us to make any further shipments,” said DMCI Mining president Cesar F. Simbulan, Jr.

“Hopefully, our pending appeals will be resolved when the weather conditions improve,” he added.

BNC and ZDMC were issued suspension and closure orders by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) middle of last year. Both have pending appeals to reopen with the Office of the President.

DENR is also conducting a review of the mining audits which recommended the suspension or closure of several mining companies.