The Department of Energy (DOE) has penalized Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) with one-month suspension and ordered the company to pay ₱1.735 million in fines for its coal trading violation.
The mining firm disclosed to Manila Bulletin reporters that it was suspended “due to coal trading or transaction with Gold Anchorage,” which has been known as an unaccredited coal trader.
Semirara was also fined “due to unabated and continuous coal trading despite suspension of its accreditation.”
SMPC said it shall be filing a motion for reconsideration over the energy department’s ruling on its suspension and fines.
SMPC said that the next legal course “considering that the said resolution is not yet final and executory.”
However, the firm said that it will “continue its coal trading activities to serve its existing customers.”
The coal trading activity occurred on May 23, 2019 when SMPC reportedly supplied a total of 4,768.73 metric tons (MT) of Semirara coal to buyer Gold Anchorage as a trial shipment.
SMPC said Gold Anchorage “has accordingly submitted and applied for a coal accreditation certificate with the DOE.”
The firm added that it “discontinued its supply and any trading with the said buyer.”
DOE issued the cease and desist order (CDO) in June.
