DoE starts Semirara mining probe

The Department of Energy (DoE) on Tuesday formally started investigating the May 2018 mudslide incident at Semirara Mining and Power Corp.’s (SMPC) facility in Caluya town, Antique.

The DoE previously deployed a team of geologists and mining engineers to conduct an on-site assessment.

“We are thoroughly investigating the matter to determine the cause of the incident, and ensure that all safety standards and protocols were strictly upheld,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

“The DoE is sending its heartfelt prayers to all who were affected by the incident. And the SMPC has assured us of their full cooperation as we carefully look into the matter.”

Based on the aerial and ground inspections of the DoE’s technical team, mudflow was confirmed at the incident site.

On May 2018, an SMPC employee died after a landslide hit a portion of its mining site called the Molave Pit.

Reports from members of the Save Antique Movement in Caluya identified the victim as Lpath Equia Felipe, 23, a resident of Barangay Banago.

According to Semirara’s initial report to the DoE, regular mining operations were ongoing with heavy machinery, PS27, working on the drainage canal at the Molave Pit of the site’s south wall when an irregularity was detected at around 1 a.m.

The mudslide occurred five minutes thereafter, at 1:05 a.m., hitting the PS27 equipment and its operator.

The Molave Pit is one of two operating mines on the island. The other is the Narra Pit.

It is from these two pits that some 70 percent of SMPC’s production are sourced for local demand.

Secretary Cusi said the DoE will continue to issue updates on the ongoing investigation.