[Ferro-Alloys.com] 

Philex set sights on nickel mining in Zambales towns

Philex Mining Corporation is setting its sights on nickel mining in several towns of Zambales as part of its expansion program and in preparation to the projected end of life of its Padcal mine here.

Philex president and chief executive officer Engr. Eulalio B. Austin, Jr. explained there are bright prospects for copper, nickel and cobalt because of the ongoing shift to the use of electric vehicles with a projected increase in the demand for these minerals used in the manufacturing of the electric vehicles.

The Philex official claimed that the company is on the process of working on its exploration permit for the proposed nickel mine site and that the local governments are receptive on the plan to develop the property into a productive nickel mine in the future.

Earlier, Philex projected that the end of life of its Padcal mine will be in 2024 but this was extended to 2027 because of the promising world metal prices, the reduction of the company’s operating cost, among other factors which play a key role in sustaining the mining operations in the various parts of the country.

And Austin admitted that if the company will not be able to succeed in its existing endeavors and partnerships, then it has to strictly adhere to the projected end of life of the mine by 2027.

• [Editor:邢亚敏]