In the Philippines, nickel extraction plays a pivotal role in industrial development by supplying essential raw materials for the global transition to clean energy, metallurgical applications, and advanced technologies. However, the operation of the surface nickel mines generates substantial quantities of mine silt and mine tailings that require proper management to prevent long-term environmental impacts. This study explores the potential of converting nickel mining waste into non-fired ceramics using locally available Claver clay in Surigao del Norte, Philippines, where multiple nickel laterite mining companies operate. X-ray fluorescence showed that Claver clay contains 72.5% combined silica and alumina, confirming its alluminosilicate-rich nature and strong natural binding properties. X-ray diffraction identified mineral phases of rectorite and phyllosilicates, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed characteristics of H-OH and Si-O bonds, suggesting polymeric network formation. Particle size distribution (PSD) analysis demonstrated reduced particle sizes after mechanochemical treatment for both nickel mine silt and Claver clay, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed more cemented and agglomerated morphological structures in the blended samples, suggesting enhanced particle cohesion using Claver clay as a natural binder. The unconfined compressive strength test revealed a 245% increase in strength, from 1.53 MPa for the non-fired mining waste bulk sample to 5.28 MPa for the Claver clay-mixed nickel mining waste sample prepared at a 1:1 ratio. The results highlight a viable route for valorizing nickel mining silt into an eco-efficient ceramic product using locally available materials.