Semirara told to address mining issues

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy has ordered Semirara Mining and Power Corp. to respond to concerns about its mining operations that were raised by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a letter dated Aug. 12, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi asked Semirara chief executive Officer Isidro A. Consunji to explain pressing issues, such as toxic waste, sulfur content, mining overburden, land-grabbing and livelihood, which were cited by the DENR.

According to the DOE, Cusi asked the company to submit reports within 48 hours from receipt of the letter because the company’s strict compliance to its obligations as provided under the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was deemed critical to the stability of the country’s coal supply.

Semirara accounts for as much as 90 percent of the coal produced in the country. Coal-fired power facilities, meanwhile, account for about 30 percent of the energy mix, thus making coal critical to ensuring stable power supply.

“The DOE assures the public that it is committed to ensure quality, reliable, affordable and the secure supply of energy as well as socially and environmentally compatible energy sources and infrastructure,” the agency added.

The DENR has started its audit of all mining projects, ECCs, and permits as Environment Secretary Regina Lopez believes that mining contributes to massive siltation of rivers, poisons waterways and agricultural fields, causing loss of livelihood.

The Inquirer earlier reported that Citinickel Mines and Development Corp., Berong Nickel Corp. and Benguet Corp.—all major industry players—have had their projects stopped because of the audit.

The DENR is also auditing Lepanto Consolidated Mining and Philex Mining in Luzon, Atlas Consolidated in Visayas, Oceana Gold in Region 2, and Filminera in Masbate.

The latest to be shuttered was the operation of Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp. in Bulacan, the country’s only iron-ore producer. Other mining firms whose operations have been suspended included Benguet Corp. Nickel Mines Inc., Eramen Minerals Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp.—all four in Zambales, as well as Citinickel Mines and Development Corp., Berong Nickel Corp., and Claver Mineral Development Corp. Amy R. Remo