Mining operations in Surigao del Norte had been suspended from April 1.

Physical bullion markets in major Asian hubs saw a sharp divide this week with some regions seeing a surge in demand, while others grappled with strained supply.

Indonesia, once the world's biggest nickel ore exporter, started banning exports of nickel ore in January.

Benchmark iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange recovered after a 3% drop earlier, ending up 0.9% at 647 yuan a tonne.

The biggest players in the market may be losing their buying appetite.

The permit is from March 16 this year and will last until March 15, 2021.

The Malaysian processing plant of the world's biggest rare earths producer outside China.