MacroAsia Mining Corp. (MMC), the mining arm of Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp. (MAC), has secured government approval to start its Infanta Nickel Project in Palawan, a major step in the firm’s push into the country’s booming nickel sector.

The company informed the stock exchange on Wednesday that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility on 20 January.

The approval covers Mineral Production Sharing Agreement No. 220-2005-IVB, enabling MMC and its operator, Calmia Nickel, Inc., to commence development and operations at the Infanta Nickel Project. 

The venture involves the extraction and commercial sale of nickel and other associated minerals in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

“The approval authorizes MMC and its operator, Calmia Nickel, Inc., to proceed with the development and operations of the Infanta Nickel Project,” the company said.

MMC added that the announcement was made “in accordance with the disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange.”