Giant miner DMCI Mining Corp. expressed confidence its two new mine sites will start operations by the first half of next year and will create additional employment in host areas.

DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes said the first mining site, located in its existing site in Zambales, will be operational in the first quarter.

Mining of nickel offers huge opportunity anew as the metal is a vital component in the production of batteries mainly for vehicles.

"Operations in the first quarter (of 2024) are 100 percent sure. (That's) 100 percent operational already, backhoe on the ground, that I'm 100 percent sure (of)," he said in an interview on Thursday.

Reyes disclosed that the company would spend roughly P250 million to develop the nickel mining site in Zambales.

Its Berong Nickel Corp., or BNC, has raised P50 million to ensure the timely rehabilitation of its nickel project in Palawan.

Reyes said the additional fund will be particularly allocated for fuel expenses.

"Fuel is the number one, two and three. When we made that budget, fuel prices were not that high. What we are doing now is we are still planting and then we have to continue benching for the soil stabilization," Reyes said.

"I want to make sure that when they showcase [the final mine rehabilitation plan], it's as close to perfect as possible. There's no incentive for us to finish early so let's do it right," he added.

Reyes reiterated that the Berong project rehabilitation remains ahead of schedule amid an aggressive implementation of restoration activities.

The Berong final rehabilitation program covers 109 hectares of surface mine, 209 hectares of silt control structures, and 25 hectares of stockpile area. It will be conducted over six years starting in June.

Eco-tourism project set

After rehabilitation, the disturbed areas could be used for eco-tourism, agroforestry, and inland fish farming by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units and host communities.