The Surigao region is a major nickel producing district, and there are at least ten direct shipping ore (DSO) nickel laterite mines either in production or being developed. There are two main nickel laterite belts in the Surigao District- an eastern coastal belt that is held by a variety of companies and a western coastal belt, which is a region largely controlled by Mindoro.

Much of the Surigao District nickel laterite provides DSO to processing plants in Japan, Australia and China. However, an improved generation of HPAL plants, currently being used with great success by Sumitomo and partner Nickel Asia on their Philippine Coral Bay operation, shows considerable promise for the local processing of Surigao ores. Of major significance is the recent commencement of construction by Sumitomo / Nickel Asia of a HPAL processing operation at Taganito in the eastern Surigao District, which will produce 30,000 tonnes of nickel product per annum. This will launch the Surigao District into the ranks of globally important nickel processing camps.

Mindoro's nickel laterite projects/prospects include the Agata Nickel Laterite resource and a number of nickel laterite prospects on its northern Surigao Projects, including the Bolobolo, Karihatag, San Jose, Tapian, Can-aga, Villariza, and Mat-I nickel laterite prospects.