One of the country's biggest mining firms will start digging for nickel.

Philex Mining Corporation president and chief executive officer Eulalio Austin Jr. said they will add nickel to their mineral extraction of gold and copper. He said this is because of the rising demand for nickel in the world market.

According to Austin, nickel is a promising market with the widening preference and production of electric cars and solar energy-dependent devices in a bid to transform to clean energy. He said this will add to their production and boost their mine life.

Austin is confident that Philex can produce nickel as they have the expertise in mining other minerals like gold and copper. He said that the mining company, through the years, was employing subsidence, using bulldozers and backhoes, among others; the company can do the same in search of nickel.

He revealed that they are in the stage of applying for exploration permits in the province of Zambales. Austin said they are glad that some of the officials in the municipalities, like Candelaria and Sta. Cruz, is supportive of mining.

He said the area was host of a former mining company years ago.