SEA Games

Semirara suspends coal mining activities

Ralf Rivas

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Semirara suspends coal mining activities

AFP

The Department of Energy directs Semirara Mining and Power Corporation to suspend coal mining activities after a mudslide last October

MANILA, Philippines – Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) suspended all mining activities covered by a particular contract, due to a deadly mudflow incident in Antique last October.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Consunji-led mining company said the Department of Energy (DOE) directed it to suspend mining operations under Coal Operating Contract No. 5.

SMPC received the DOE’s letter on Tuesday, November 19, but the document was dated November 14.

The suspension will remain in effect until the following conditions are complied with:

  1. SMPC should address the existing and continuing apparent risk in the Casay Lake area near and adjacent to the operations of the Molave Pit. It must also conduct a geo-hazard assessment of the area and submit specific plans to remove the hazard.
  2. For other areas under the development and production stage, SMPC must conduct a geo-hazard assessment in all existing and proposed mining areas to identify and determine the risks and appropriate mitigating measures. Health and safety programs must also be reviewed.

“Since the October 2 incident, SMPC has been in close coordination and full cooperation with the DOE on all its legal and regulatory compliances, particularly the safety aspect of its operations,” SMPC said.

The mudslide resulted in the death of an SMPC employee. The DOE is investigating the matter. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Tie, Accessories, Accessory

author

Ralf Rivas

A sociologist by heart, a journalist by profession. Ralf is Rappler's business reporter, covering macroeconomy, government finance, companies, and agriculture.