DOE suspends Semirara Mining operations over mudflow incident

The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) to suspend mining activities in Semirara Island, Antique over last month’s mudflow incident.

SMPC on Wednesday confirm the DOE order in a regulatory filing submitted by vice president for legal John Sadullo on Wednesday.

“Late yesterday afternoon, we received a letter from the DOE dated November 14, 2019 directing Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) to suspend any and all mining activities under Coal Operating Contract No. 5,” the company said.

The DOE issued Coal Operating Contract No. 5 to SMPC for the coal mining project in Semirara Island in the town of Caluya, Antique in 1977.

“The DOE directive was issued in relation to a mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique Province last October 2, 2019,” SMPC said.

The Consunji-led miner said it has suspended its mining operations effective immediately in compliance with the Energy department’s directive.

According to the DOE, the suspension order will remain in effect until the following conditions have been met by the company:

• Address existing and continuing apparent risk in the Casay Lake area near and adjacent to the operations of the Molave Pit

• Geo-hazard assessment of the Casay Lake area and submission of specific plan to remove the hazard, for evaluation and approval of the DOE

• Implement a DOE-approved plan subject to DOE assessment and approval

• Conduct geo-hazard assessment in all existing and proposed mining areas to identify and determine risks and appropriate mitigating measures against landslides, mudflows, flooding, storm surge, liquefaction to be approved by the DOE

• Conduct comprehensive review of health and safety program which must include management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation and improvement and coordination and communication

• Reorganize Safety Department to address deficiencies and provide appropriate competencies to implement DOE-approved Health and Safety Program and allocate sufficient budget to implement the program

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

“Our company is completing these requirements for submission to DOE the soonest and is confident that the conditions for resuming operations can be speedily met,” it said.

“SMPC is committed to providing all the needed health and safety trainings and amendments to further enhance the safety and welfare of our employees,” it added. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News