MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has granted an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) to Citinickel Mines and Development Corp. in connection with its Pulot Nickel Mining Project in three barangays in Sofronio Española town in Palawan, according to a DENR press release.

In his June 19 letter to Citinickel president Caroline Tanchay, Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. said the DENR has given the virtual green light for Citinickel to proceed with its planned nickel mining project there after “satisfying the requirements” and upon recommendation of the Environmental Management Bureau.

Citinickel holds the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement that covers the 2,200-hectare sprawling nickel-rich mining concession in the towns of Narra and Sofronio Española.

Citinickel’s project description said its newly issued ECC covers the mining and direct shipment of 1.2 million metric tons of nickel ore in an area that covers 1,408 hectares of its mining concession in Sofronio Española, said the news release.