DMCI Mining Corporation is projecting modest growth in 2018, even as it awaits the resolution of its appeals with the Office of the President.

Its two operating nickel mining assets, Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC) and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC) were issued suspension and closure orders in June 2016 and February 2017, respectively.

“Our nickel ore inventory is good for a few more shipments. If nickel prices remain at current levels, we expect a doubledigit improvement in our bottom line,” said DMCI Mining president Cesar F. Simbulan, Jr.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources allowed suspended mining companies to ship out their stockpiles to limit the possible accumulation of silt in nearby bodies of water.

This year, DMCI Mining plans to ship around one million wet metric tons (WMT) of nickel ore, depending on nickel market and regulatory conditions. It will also implement another round of cost-reduction measures to keep its operations viable.

“But beyond 2018, there will be nothing more for us to sell, unless the government lifts the mining suspensions of BNC and ZDMC. Our fate rests on the decision of the government,” he added.

In 2017, DMCI mining shipped 525,000 WMT of nickel ore, a 51 percent decline compared to 1 million WMT the previous year. During the same period, average selling price per metric ton slipped 6 percent from US$31 to US$29.

On a standalone basis, DMCI Mining recorded P105 million in net income in 2017 compared to a net loss of P11 million the previous year.