The Philippines Department of Energy (DoE) has lifted the suspension on Semirara Mining and Power that was imposed after a landslide killed nine workers at its Panian mine in July.
DOE officer-in-charge Secretary Zenaida Monsada said in a letter: "The company has substantially complied with the conditions set by the DoE, resulting in a marked improvement in the level of safety in its mining operation.
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"In view of the foregoing and in consideration of the over-all national interest, the DOE hereby approves the resumption of mining operations of coal operating contract (COC) No. 5, subject to the oversight function and regular monitoring by the DoE-IC to ensure compliance with the abovementioned recommendations."
According to the government agency, Semirara, mining unit of DMCI, is in the process of revising its safety and health programme and upgrading its safety measures.
In July, Philippines’ coal mining company Semirara suspended coal exports from Panian mine after the fatal landslide.
This prompted the DoE to suspend operations at the mine.
The agency said that the approval is given by considering the over-all national interest and the mine operations will be regularly monitored and supervised.
Semirara is also in the process of hiring more engineers, and a safety consultant.
Image: Panian Mine on Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique, Philippines. Photo: courtesy of TJCERAME.
