MANILA, Dec. 21 -- A local unit of Canadian miner TVI Pacific Inc (TVI.T) said Tuesday it expects to begin production of zinc concentrate by January at its Canatuan copper-zinc mine in southern Philippines.

"Given the progress in the copper-zinc separation and the ongoing process refinments, it is anticipated that zinc concentrate production could begin in January," its local unit, TVI Resource Development, said in a statement.

Since November, TVI has been undertaking commissioning of its zinc circuit in Canatuan.

The company also said it has conducted drilling operations at the Pinili prospect, owned by Siennalyn Gold Mining Corp., which revealed one area as having significant base metal mineralization.

Regarding mine development plans for Balabag gold prospect, TVI expects to make a decision within the first quarter of next year.

The Siennalyn and Balabag properties are adjacent to the Canatuan project.