DOE sets 2nd probe at Semirara coal mine

The Department of Energy (DOE) has scheduled the second round of field investigation this Tuesday (July 21) at the tragedy site at the Semirara coal mine in Antique province.

This as the coal mine owner and operator Semirara Mining & Power Corporation has apprised media that seven bodies of the nine victims at the ‘crash site’ were already recovered. The company also vowed to extend million each as assistance to the ‘grieving families’ of the victims.

Meanwhile, share prices of Semirara Mining and Power (SCC) were lower yesterday after a portion of its open pit coal mine in the central Philippines island of Semirara collapsed Friday, killing several miners. Shares of Semirara were down 12% to in moderate volume.

The Department of Energy suspended operations at the coal mine pending investigation of the deadly incident in the country's large coal mine.

Semirara Mining has expounded that the “officials from the Department of Energy conducted an initial investigation last Saturday and are expected to make a follow-up on Tuesday.”

This is already the second time that death-inducing incident happened at the coal mine’ site – in just a short span of two years.

The energy department earlier ordered the closure of the coal mine where the incident transpired, and no indications yet on when it will be lifted.

The government, it was noted, has to be on careful balance as to what it will enforce against the Consunji firm because the coal mine also has implications on the country’s power supply.

As of Monday, Semirara Mining & Power has noted that it will continue its round-the-clock search and retrieval operations. Two more victims are missing as of press time.

The company added that it has been “cooperating fully with government authorities in investigating the incident.”

And apparently to appease the emotional distress of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy, Semirara Mining & Power has given word that it will extend the necessary help to their families.

“The needs of the families of the victims remain our priority. We have sought the assistance of religious nuns and professional counselors to help the bereaved cope with their loss,” the company said.

The Consunji firm similarly stressed that it has been “facilitating the life and accident insurance claims of the victims.”

It further noted that such will be “on top of the immediate release of additional funds to cover their transportation costs and other incidental expenses.”