Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the publicly-listed integrated energy company of DMCI Holdings Inc., is increasing its capital expenditure for the year to drive the growth of its energy and mining operations.

The Consunji-led firm has announced a capital expenditure plan of approximately P6.9 billion for 2025.

Of the total, around P5.8 billion will be allocated to the coal business. These funds will support refleeting initiatives and the acquisition of additional mining and support equipment, aimed at improving overall operational efficiency and production output.

In addition, SEMC-Calaca Power Corp. will account for P700 million of the total capex for critical maintenance activities and projects designed to enhance fuel and feed systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Stability fund allotted

Meanwhile, P400 million is dedicated to Semirara Land and Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC), which will focus on similar maintenance efforts and system upgrades to bolster operational stability and performance.

The company’s strategic investment will support the expansion of its operational capacity and help ensure long-term sustainability.

However, it emphasized that the figures represent an initial outlook, which may be subject to revisions, as it is based on the third quarter results, with the full-year financials still pending disclosure.

Last week, SMPC announced a record-breaking 16.5 million metric tons (MT) in coal shipments in 2024, driven by stronger demand from China and domestic markets. It surpassed the previous high of 15.8 million MT set in 2023.

Foreign shipments climbed 4 percent to 8.4 million MT, with exports to China surging by 46 percent to 7.6 million MT.

Domestically, shipments also grew by 4 percent to 8 million MT, boosted by increased sales to local cement producers and Calaca power plants.

Of the 1.3 million MT sold to cement plants, 20 percent was supplied to SMPC’s associate company, Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc.