Semirara Mining Corp. taps consultant to review mine ops

Semirara Mining Corp. has commissioned a third-party consultant to review the company's operations in the wake of the mine collapse last week that killed five miners, the miner said in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Monday. “The company is currently reviewing its mine plan with the assistance of a third-party consultant to avoid similar incident in the future,” it said. The company added that search operations for five miners who are still missing are continuing at the Pani-an, Antique coal mine. “To aid in these efforts, sniffing canines have been called in through the Office of the Civil Defense. Further, the company has guaranteed financial, employment, scholarship and livelihood assistance to the families of those involved,” the company said in the disclosure. Operations at the mine have remained suspended since the collapse of the pit's west wall on the night of Feb. 13, but the company said this is not expected to have a significant negative effect on its operations, including its obligations to clients. “Despite the temporary halt in its mining operations at the Pani-an site, the company continues to service its supply contracts to its customers using its stockpile which can be replenished immediately when operation resumes,” it said. The Department of Energy will conduct its own investigation on the incident. According to Undersecretary Ramon Oca, the department will make a recommendation when the mine can be reopened. Semirara Mining is a subsidiary of the Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc. — BM, GMA News