Rusina Mining expects to begin nickel laterite ore shipments from its Acoje project in the Philippines next month after DMCI advised that the main pier at the Santa Cruz export port will be ready shortly despite interruptions caused by extended monsoonal conditions.

DMCI Holdings, Rusina's mining, marketing and project operator partner for the Acoje Direct Shipping Operation (DSO) agreement, is completing the pier's compacted graded fill, concrete interlocking vertical fending and reinforced concrete sea mats that will form a permanent sloping loading ramp for the ship side loading barges.

DMCI says the first ore shipments will leave the Santa Cruz pier in November to allow for a definite end to the late season monsoonal conditions and a more cost effective use of ship side loading vessels.

A small shipment of higher grade (1.7% nickel) saprolite ore will be sent this month from Manila terminals as part of Acoje's bulk sampling program.

DMCI is responsible for all funding, mining, grade control, rehabilitation, road and port developments works as well as the marketing and sales obligations of the contracted 5 million tonnes of laterite ore.

Due to the wetter monsoon season in South East Asia, the mine to port road is not yet 'all weather', temporarily halting ore haulage movements as a precaution during heavy downpours. Despite these conditions, contractors are continuing to build sufficient stockpiles at the port to service a continuous operation once the November shipping schedule is underway.

At a later date, DMCI intends to construct an extended conveyor loading system at Santa Cruz that can directly load ships.