MACROASIA Corp., a listed aviation support company led by tycoon Lucio Tan, said it has received a certification from the government relating to its rights concerning a plan to revive a nickel mine in southern Palawan.

In a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, MacroAsia said it has received a certification from the government covering a mineral production sharing agreement dated December 2005 for the exploration, development and utilization of nickel deposits in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

The mineral production sharing agreement has a term of 25 years and will expire on December 1, 2030.

MacroAsia said earlier that it is seeking various foreign and local technical partners for the project.

In the 1970s, MacroAsia, then known as Infanta Mineral and Industrial Corp., operated the mine as an export producer of beneficiated nickel laterite.

MacroAsia also had a purchase agreement with Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining Co.  Ltd. of Japan. However low nickel prices eventually forced the company to suspend operations.

At present, MacroAsia generates the bulk of its revenues from core businesses which is providing support services to airline operators such as aircraft maintenance and repairs, inflight catering, charter flight services and ground handling services.