The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) will hold a public scoping on June 2, 2026, for a proposed coal mining project in Lingig, Surigao del Sur.
Developer Vintage-21 Coal Mining Corp. plans to operate in Sitio Mekaupe, Sitio Tagpapangi, and Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan, covering about 4,000 hectares across four coal blocks. The project has an initial investment of P100 million, funded by company officers and investors.
The firm secured Coal Operating Contract No. 208 from the Department of Energy in December 2022, allowing annual extraction of up to 2 million metric tons of coal.
Proponents say the project will cut coal import reliance, stabilize energy costs, and strengthen local power supply. It is also expected to create jobs, boost related businesses, and raise tax revenues for infrastructure, education, and health services. They added that the initiative supports national development goals and energy security, while aiming to follow responsible mining standards.
