The Natural Resources Mining Development Corporation (NRMDC) has shortlisted seven mining companies to become its possible partner in its nickel-chromite project at the Surigao Mineral Reservation on Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte.

NRMDC, the first and only state mining company attached to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said all seven firms were able to satisfy requirements to become its partner in the mining project.

The pre-qualified bidders, which are all local mining companies, are CR203 Mining Corporation, United Philippine and China Mining Corp., HKT Mining Group Inc., AAM-Phil. Natural Resources & Exploration Development Corp., Konka Fulim Mining & Development Corp; MG Mining & Energy Corp., and Philnico Industrial Corp.

The NRMDC mineral properties on Dinagat Island is composed of three parcels and have a total area of about 9,700 hectares. The northern parcel with an area of 600 hectares is located in Barangay Esperanza in the municipality of Loreto with proven potential for lumpy chromite and nickel laterite deposits. The central part of Dinagat, straddling three municipalities — Albor in the West; Cagdianao in the East; and Basilisa in the South — have an aggregate area of 9,100 hectares. It has potential for nickel-cobalt laterite deposit and residual sandy chromite.

The exploration, development, and mining operations of NRMDC mineral properties on Dinagat Island shall be undertaken by the NRMDC under a joint venture with winning bidders.

The pre-qualified bidders have until 2 o’clock in the afternoon of December 12 to submit sealed bid proposals for the project.