TQGT Mineral eyes nickel in Davao Oriental
MANILA, Philippines – Davao City-based TQGT Mineral Resources Development Corp. is planning to build a nickel laterite project in Davao Oriental to capitalize on the increasing global demand for nickel.
The mining company said the proposed Pulang Tana Nickel Laterite Project in the town of Governor Generoso would support both domestic and export-oriented supply chains while contributing to the country’s mineral resource utilization.
READ: Nickel sector braces for the worst
Nickel is widely used in the production of stainless steel and other alloys that are resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
It is commonly used in emerging technologies, including rechargeable batteries for portable electronics, power tools and electric vehicles.
“As such, global demand for nickel continues to grow, particularly in support of industrial development and energy transition technologies,” the firm said in its submission to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
TQGT Mineral said it is developing the project after exploration activities confirmed the presence of nickel laterite deposits in the area.
Laterite deposits, which comprise a significant portion of global nickel resources, are typically formed in tropical environments, such as the Philippines.
The nickel laterite project has a proposed production capacity of approximately 800,000 wet metric tons per year, with an estimated mine life of eight years. It will be implemented in phases.
The project, which spans 725.6 hectares of land, features support and ancillary facilities and environmental management and pollution control facilities to ensure safe and efficient extraction, handling, storage, transport and shipment of nickel laterite ore.
READ: Philippines, Indonesia collaborate to boost nickel value chain
TQGT Mineral said it will use the contour mining method that allows efficient ore recovery while minimizing vertical disturbance and enabling progressive rehabilitation.
At present, TQGT Mineral holds Exploration Permit (EP) No. 000001-2019-XI covering 2,572 hectares of mining claims in Barangays Tiblawan, Surop, Pundaguitan and Tagabebe in Governor Generoso, as well as Barangay Luban in Mati, Davao Oriental. INQ
