Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) is adjusting its workforce as persistent and rising seawater ingress restricts activity at its Acacia mine, with flows now overwhelming existing pumping capacity.
Inflows have climbed to roughly 30,000 cubic meters per hour—equivalent to 12 Olympic-sized pools hourly—surpassing systems in place and raising flood risk. Long-term control demands major spending on pumps, power, and infrastructure, but uncertainty over the coal bidding round has delayed clear investment plans.
Without sufficient capital upgrades, flood danger grows alongside the threat of losing access to Acacia’s remaining coal deposits. Operations have already been constrained, and critical stripping work to uncover future coal reserves is partially suspended.
In response, SMPC is implementing a supplemental redundancy program affecting 996 employees to match manpower with reduced activity levels. The company acknowledged the impact on staff and families, and pledged full transition support.
SMPC keeps its 2026 coal production target at 12 million metric tons. Disrupted stripping at Acacia—seen as the primary source for next year’s output—will directly impact 2027 production volumes.
The Department of Energy inspected the site from the 24th to the 26th of September. SMPC continues coordinating with the DOE on immediate challenges and long-term mine plans.
