The Department of Energy (DOE) investigated the mudslide incident at the Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) Facility in Antique that resulted in a missing employee.
A team of geologists and mining engineers from the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) conducted an on-site assessment and confirmed the presence of mudflow at the location of the incident.
According to an initial report, regular mining operations were ongoing with a PS27 machinery working on the drainage canal at the Molave Pit of the site’s South Wall when an irregularity was detected around 1AM. The mudslide occurred five minutes after, hitting the PS27 equipment and its operator, 39-year-old Pepito Andapat.
“The DOE is sending its heartfelt prayers to all who were affected by the incident. We are also continuing to pray for the safety of the personnel involved in the search and rescue operations. We are thoroughly investigating the matter to determine the cause of the incident, and ensure that all safety standards and protocols were strictly upheld. Semirara Mining and Power Corporation has assured us their full cooperation as we carefully look into this incident,” said DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in a press release.
The DOE will continue to issue updates on the ongoing investigation.
