Semirara probes mining accident

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. is investigating an accident that led to the collapse of its open-pit coal mine Panian in Semirara Island, Antique early Friday.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp., a unit of Consunji-led conglomerate DMCI Holdings which operates the mine, said the incident happened at around 3:45 am on Friday and that it was now investigating the cause of the accident in coordination with authorities.

Three bodies had been recovered while six were still missing, the statement confirmed.

“Management has condoled with the families of the victims and is giving them full support,” Semirara said.

“It is also coordinating with national and local authorities to keep them updated on the search and rescue efforts and other necessary measures including ensuring the adequate supply of coal for power generation since it has stopped operations in the affected area in compliance with an order from the Department of Energy,” Semirara said.

Semirara said advisories would be issued regularly to keep the public informed.

In 2013, a landslide in the Panian mine also killed some mining workers.