Global Ferronickel to expand to cement, value-added processing

MANILA  -Listed Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. is expanding further its business by venturing into cement manufacturing and value-added processing to unlock “significant” growth potential in these industries.

During its annual stockholders’ meeting, Global Ferronickel president Dante Bravo unveiled plans to produce limestone, clinker and other key materials used in the cement industry.

“This enables the company to tap into the construction and infrastructure sectors which offers significant growth potential,” Bravo said.

The listed firm also intends to establish a ferronickel processing plant, nickel matte processing facility, battery-grade nickel plant and a steel plant.

“These processing capabilities enable the company to enhance the value of its nickel products by transforming them into higher grade materials that cater to specific industry needs,” he said.

“The establishment of a battery-grade nickel plant and a steel plant signifies the company’s commitment [to] capitalizing emerging opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) and infrastructure sectors,” he added.

Bravo took note of the rosy outlook for nickel due to the wide range of applications in the energy transition.

The World Bank identified nickel as one of the critical minerals in the clean energy transition.

Likewise, Bravo said China will still primarily influence the direction of nickel demand in the future, adding the reopening of the economy and the country’s infrastructure investment plan is projected to “resume construction activity and the demand for stainless steel.”

“Importantly, nickel is considered cross cutting because of its use of the variety of technologies and is not dependent on a single application. These emerging uses include electric vehicles, solar panels, power grid systems, wind turbines and new technologies such as hydrogen-based energy,” Bravo said.

Global Ferronickel also set its sights on expanding its logistics business in Mariveles, Bataan, which involves the development of warehousing facilities and container terminal services.

“[We] aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen [our] integrated services position,” Bravo said.

—Jordeene B. Lagare