Philippines first half nickel ore output slumps 44 percent

Philippines nickel ore production slumped 44 percent in the first half of the year, while gold and copper output rose 3 and 11 percent, respectively, data from the government's Mines and Geosciences Bureau showed on Tuesday.
Half of the country's 12 nickel producers reported sharp drops in production ranging from 48 to 89 percent in the first half from a year ago while two companies had zero production because of the steep fall in world nickel prices. Nickel prices have declined sharply this year on easing demand from stainless steel producers, which use up two-thirds of the world's nickel supply to make kitchen appliances and cutlery.