The Consunji group, which operates Semirara Mining and Power Corp., is confident it will win the bidding to continue operating the country’s largest coal mine on Semirara Island.
Company chairman and CEO Isidro A. Consunji said their main advantage is experience, noting that Semirara is the only coal mine in the Philippines operating below sea level—an uncommon and technically difficult setup even worldwide.
He explained that the Department of Energy’s bidding criteria go beyond financial offers and include track record and operational capability, which he believes makes it hard for new players to qualify.
Consunji highlighted the complexity of running the mine, which sits about 350 meters below sea level. The company uses dozens of water pumps and heavy equipment to keep the site operational. Instead of expensive diesel. The firm powers its operations using low-grade “garbage coal” that cannot be sold, helping reduce costs.
The executive also confirmed talks with Meralco PowerGen Corp., whose CEO Emmanuel Rubio has expressed interest in taking a minority stake in the mine. However, Consunji said it remains unclear what the company’s main role or contribution would be.
Semirara coal currently supplies about 38 percent of the country’s baseload power. Consunji warned that any disruption in production could raise electricity costs and fuel inflation.
He added that if the Philippines develops a fully connected power grid, Semirara could become a key energy hub, potentially offering one of the cheapest power sources if coal remains viable in the future.
