The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will hold a public scoping on October 8 for the PHP 500 million coal mining expansion of Daguma Agro-Minerals Inc. (DAMI) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an attached agency of the DENR, will lead the public scoping on October 8. The activity will allow the affected communities and local stakeholders to raise their concerns and provide inputs before the project can proceed.
Project documents published on the EMB website show that DAMI plans to increase its annual coal extraction capacity from 3 million metric tons per year (MMTPY) to 5 MMTPY. The company currently operates within a 4-hectare area while exploring an additional 6 hectares for expansion.
The proposed coverage includes sitios El Dolog, El Topok, Pulosubong, Tawan-dagat, and Sigawit, as well as barangay Ned in Lake Sebu.
According to the DENR, the expansion may result in heavier truck traffic between the mine site and the port area, increased dust emissions, and potential disturbance to wildlife habitats. The agency said mitigation measures must be put in place to manage these impacts across all phases of development.
Meanwhile, Malaya reported the expansion will be carried out in four stages: pre-development, development, operations, and abandonment with pollution control systems incorporated at each stage.
The company said the project aims to support local power and cement producers that rely on coal, amid rising prices of imported supply.
The project will only move forward once DAMI secures an amendment to its existing Environmental Compliance Certificate and other necessary permits.
Coal remains central to the Philippines’ power mix. Department of Energy data show the country consumed 43.49 million metric tons in 2023, of which 35.54 million MT came from imports. Local production reached 16.56 million MT, while 8.06 million MT was exported in the same period.
Follow Ang Minero on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
