IPILAN NICKEL CORP., the Palawan-based subsidiary of listed miner Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI), has begun its operations for calendar year 2026 after completing its first nickel ore shipment for the year. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, FNI said bulk carrier MV RU Cheng Shan departed Ipilan’s anchorage area in Brooke’s Point carrying 53,912 wet metric tons (WMT) of 1.3% low-grade nickel ore bound for China. With favorable weather and operating conditions, FNI said Ipilan is targeting production of at least 1.5 million WMT this year. The projected sales mix for the year consists of 52.6% low-grade and 47.4% medium-grade nickel ore, in line with the company’s production targets and customer requirements. “These initiatives are integral to supporting the Company’s targeted production volumes while ensuring strict compliance with environmental and regulatory standards,” FNI said.