News 18 Apr, 2017 Philippines – Continuing Problems with Nickel Ore Cargoes Further to the News Article dated 21 July 2015 , the Club’s local correspondent Pandiman Philippines Inc have advised that nickel ore cargoes currently being presented for shipment are giving rise to concern because of  the following factors: Rain is continuing to fall, with no dry season apparent in recent years. Where they exist, stock piles are exposed to the elements. Many mines have no stock piles and ore is supplied directly from the exposed mine pit, hence there is no drying nor drainage of the cargo prior to shipment. On 2 February 2017, the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered the closure of twenty-three mines and suspended operations at a further five mines . Hence mines are keen to ship as much ore as possible. The market has seen some “panic buying”. Certification of transportable moisture limit (“TML”) and moisture content issued by the mines cannot be relied upon. In recent cases where independent analysis has been made, all were found with moisture levels in excess of TML. Differences of 8-10% for moisture content and 5% for flow moisture point (“FMP”) have been found between independent analysis and mine-supplied certification. Where a precautionary survey has been arranged, many barges are being rejected due to field tests - including the can test as set out in IMSBC Code section 8.4 - indicating that cargo as suspect (though it should be noted that such field tests can only be considered as indicative and final determination needs independent laboratory analysis). As a consequence, the loading becomes overly extended with periods of up to forty five days having been recorded, giving rise to charter party disputes in some instances.  Although there is the statutory requirement clearly set out in IMSBC Code paragraph 4.4.3 for access to stockpiles ( “For a concentrate or other cargo which may liquefy, the shipper shall facilitat