SHANGHAI, Sep. 14 (SMM) – China’s nickel ore imports from the Philippines are expected to fall by 22-25 per cent in 2016, Shanghai Metals Market foresees.  

The Philippines began environmental crackdowns on local nickel mines about two months ago. The review work has been completed, but the final result has yet to be released. 

China Nickel Ore Inventories Grow More, SMM Reports

Gina Lopez, head of the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Sep. 5 that more mines will face shutdowns, including large ones.

The monsoon in Zambales will come to an end when Surigao begins entering the monsoon. If the four mines, having already closed in Zambales, remain offline by October, China’s nickel ore imports from the Philippines will face a dramatic fall in Q4 2016. 

SMM expects China’s nickel ore imports from the Philippines to tumble to 25.5-26.5 million tonnes in 2016. 

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