SEMIRARA MINING and Power Corp. (SMPC) said it’s confident it might probably submit a mining plan that meets Department of Energy (DoE) requirements to increase its coal operating contract on Semirara Island.
“It’s demanding. The primary time we went to the Semirara site, it failed — even the primary attempt before we got here in. Because once it reaches around 160 meters below sea level, water starts to enter and all the pieces begins to slip. In the event you don’t know the way to prevent the water from coming in, you can not mine,” SMPC Chairman Isidro A. Consunji said at a briefing in March.
He added that Semirara is exclusive, noting that few coal mines worldwide operate below sea level.
“Assuming the policy of the DoE is to attenuate disruption and optimize production, who’s qualified? Who’s got the track record to mine below sea level? No one within the country. Semirara’s the one mine below sea level,” he said.
SMPC, which has held the coal operating contract for nearly 50 years, said latest operators would face technical and logistical challenges. These include a whole bunch of dump trucks, dozens of high-power water pumps, and specialized equipment resembling diaphragm partitions that stretch greater than 100 meters deep — far beyond standard systems.
“There are various challenges for any latest operator, even experienced ones. If the goal is to enhance the mine plan, it’s difficult to outperform an existing operator — whether it’s Semirara, Atlas Mining, or others — since the one already operating has the advantage,” Mr. Consunji said.
The mine’s contract expires in July 2027, however the DoE is offering the realm for bidding this yr, together with other confirmed mineable reserves.
The auction covers 18 coal blocks across about 18,000 hectares, including 10 blocks on Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique.
Bidders must submit documents by April 28, the identical day because the bid opening.
SMPC said uninterrupted coal production is critical, as Semirara supplies about 38% of the country’s baseload power. Any disruption could raise electricity costs, increase inflation, and require coal imports, potentially affecting energy security and foreign exchange reserves.
The corporate said its mining plan is designed to take care of continuous operations, prevent seawater intrusion, and mitigate potential economic, social, and political impacts from production disruptions.
Meralco PowerGen Corp. has expressed interest in partnering with SMPC if it participates within the auction, while San Miguel Corp. has reportedly explored government-offered coal sites, including the Semirara area. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno