TVI Pacific Inc. said its Philippine affiliate was expected to start production of a nickel hydroxide product at the Agata project in Agusan del Norte following the completion of tests and commissioning of a pilot plant.
The Canadian firm, in a statement, said TVI Resource Development (Philippines) Inc. (TVIRD) was also readying a port facility for direct shipping of nickel ores from Agata.
Results of pilot-scale testing that was done in China confirmed the “excellent leachability” of ores from Agata, from which about 94 percent nickel was extracted over a two-stage leaching process, TVI said.
TVI is the operator of the Agata project and it stands to earn a 60-percent interest in the processing joint venture with Mindoro Resources Ltd.—also a Canadian firm— when a bankable feasibility study is produced.
In 2012, Mindoro entered into joint venture agreements with TVI to undertake a two-stage development strategy for Agata.
The first involves the direct shipment of ores to a buyer or buyers while the second involves the processing of ores on site.
Regarding direct shipping, TVIRD has acquired all the land needed for a road network while 90 percent of land needed for a port facility has been acquired.
“The planning and design of port construction as well as for roads and other infrastructure is proceeding,” TVI said.
The planned direct shipment ore project has an environmental compliance certificate and the company is securing permits related to Agata’s environmental protection and enhancement program and the final mine rehabilitation and decommissioning plan.