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Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) is preparing an upgraded mining plan aimed at securing government approval for the renewal of its coal operating contract (COC) for the Semirara Island mine in Antique, as it moves to sustain production and long-term operations.
The company said it is finalizing what it described as its “best mining plan” to support its application for a new contract covering continued exploration, development and extraction activities in the area. The existing contract, which governs operations on the 55-square-kilometer Semirara Island, is set to expire in 2027.
SMPC President and Chief Operating Officer Maria Cristina Gotianun said the company is working to ensure that the proposed plan meets regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
The mining plan will be submitted to the Department of Energy (DOE), which oversees coal operating contracts in the Philippines. Approval is a critical step for SMPC to continue its role as the country’s largest coal producer, supplying fuel for domestic power generation.
Focus on sustainability and compliance
The company emphasized that its updated proposal will incorporate improved mining methodologies and environmental safeguards, reflecting evolving regulatory expectations and industry standards.
Gotianun said the company aims to balance production targets with responsible resource management, particularly as scrutiny increases on extractive industries’ environmental impact.
The Semirara mine has long been a key component of the Philippines’ energy mix, providing a significant share of the coal used in local power plants. As such, continuity of operations is viewed as important not only for the company but also for national energy security.
SMPC noted that its revised plan is designed to ensure safe and efficient mining while minimizing environmental risks. This includes ongoing rehabilitation efforts, waste management improvements, and adherence to government-mandated environmental protections.
Strategic importance of contract renewal
The renewal of the coal operating contract is central to SMPC’s long-term strategy, as it seeks to extend the life of its core asset and maintain stable production levels beyond 2027.
Without a renewed contract, the company would be unable to continue operations in Semirara, which accounts for the bulk of its mining activities. The mine’s output plays a significant role in supplying coal to the domestic market, particularly for baseload power generation.
Industry observers note that securing regulatory approval will depend on the robustness of the proposed mining plan, particularly in addressing environmental, safety and community considerations.
The DOE is expected to evaluate the plan based on technical, financial and environmental criteria before granting approval.
Balancing energy needs and environmental pressures
The move comes as the Philippines continues to navigate the balance between energy security and environmental sustainability. While coal remains a major energy source, the government has also been promoting renewable energy development and stricter environmental standards.
SMPC’s approach reflects this dual pressure, with the company highlighting both its operational capabilities and its commitment to responsible mining practices.
Gotianun said the company remains confident that its experience and track record will support its application for contract renewal, adding that SMPC is committed to aligning its operations with government policies and regulatory frameworks.
As SMPC prepares to submit its enhanced mining plan, attention will shift to the regulatory review process and the DOE’s assessment of the proposal.
The outcome will be critical not only for the company’s future operations but also for the broader energy sector, given Semirara’s role in supporting power generation in the Philippines.
If approved, the renewed contract would provide SMPC with operational continuity and allow it to further optimize its mining activities. Conversely, delays or rejection could have implications for coal supply and energy stability. For now, the company is focused on ensuring that its proposal meets the necessary standards, positioning itself for a favorable decision as the 2027 contract expiry approaches.
The Department of Budget and Management has released around PHP16.5 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways to accelerate infrastructure spending and support economic growth, following a directive from Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
The funds, issued through a Notice of Cash Allocation to the DPWH Central Office, will be distributed to implementing units across 17 regions nationwide to settle due and demandable accounts payable.
In a statement, the DBM said the release is intended to ensure the timely payment of completed and ongoing infrastructure projects, prevent delays, and maintain uninterrupted public service delivery.
Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the move forms part of the administration’s strategy to keep infrastructure projects on track while stimulating economic activity.
He emphasized that timely disbursement of infrastructure funds has a strong multiplier effect, supporting employment, strengthening businesses, and accelerating project completion.
“Government spending, especially in infrastructure, has a strong multiplier effect. When we release funds on time, we support jobs, strengthen businesses, and accelerate project completion — creating immediate and tangible benefits for our people,” Toledo said.
The DBM added that the release underwent strict validation to ensure compliance with budgeting, accounting, and auditing requirements.
Toledo said that while the government is expediting the release of funds, it continues to uphold transparency and accountability by ensuring that all disbursements are supported by complete documentation and aligned with existing laws.
“Upon the President’s directive, we are accelerating infrastructure spending to keep projects moving and the economy growing. This PHP16.5 billion release ensures that obligations are paid on time so work continues and services to the public are sustained,” he said.
“We ensure that every peso is backed by complete documentation and aligned with the law. That is how we balance speed with accountability,” he added.
The DBM reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and responsible budget execution to ensure that government spending delivers tangible benefits to the public.
“Speaking to the media at the Australian Embassy’s Annual Journalists’ Reception, Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Marc Innes-Brown, honored Filipino journalists for connecting people and illuminating the truth. He emphasized that fearless reporting and quality journalism are essential for upholding democracy and strengthening ties between nations. In a world flooded with disinformation, Philippine journalists play a vital role in safeguarding freedom of speech and sharing the story of the Australia–Philippines partnership.” (Australian Embassy in the Philippine media release)
As the Philippines continues to pursue economic growth through the development of its natural resources, the relevance of laws, policies, and regulatory institutions has never been more critical.
The 2025 Geological Convention (GeoCon 2025), held in celebration of the Geological Society of the Philippines’ 80th Oak Jubilee, brought together geoscientists, policymakers, and industry practitioners to reflect on this challenge under the theme “Forged by Time, Strengthened by Integrity, Driven by Professionalism.”
The convention underscored a pressing national question: how well do existing legal and policy frameworks respond to evolving industry practices, societal expectations, and sustainability goals?
This article draws from the context of GeoCon 2025 and my plenary discourse on 02 December 2025 focusing on the continuing relevance of laws and policies in natural resource development, examining the need for stronger governance, updated regulatory frameworks, and deeper stakeholder collaboration to ensure responsible and equitable resource management in the Philippines.
Collectively, these policy instruments serve as the foundation for a resilient, low-carbon, and technologically adaptive economy aligned with international sustainability commitments.
Critical Minerals
The Philippines is positioned to play a major role in the global clean energy transition due to its large deposits of nickel, copper, cobalt, and other strategic minerals. These materials are essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, solar technologies, and energy storage systems.
However, the country currently captures only a small portion of the value chain, as most minerals are exported in low-value form. To shift toward value-added processing, the government must establish stable fiscal terms, investor certainty, and a clear industrial strategy that supports mineral processing, refining, and associated manufacturing.
This strategy also depends on energy affordability and infrastructure readiness. Processing plants require continuous, cost-effective, and preferably low-carbon electricity, which aligns mineral development with national decarbonization goals. In parallel, mining operations must uphold strict environmental safeguards, including responsible tailings management, watershed protection, progressive rehabilitation, and transparent monitoring systems.
Market rules should strike a balance between allowing mineral exports and encouraging domestic processing. A milestones-based export policy can help—letting new mines export early to recover costs and generate cashflow, while gradually shifting toward local value-added processing as capabilities develop.
At the same time, requiring transparent and fair off-take agreements ensures that pricing and supply arrangements are clear, competitive, and aligned with national development goals.
Petroleum Exploration (Natural Gas)
Natural gas remains a critical element of the Philippines’ power generation mix, providing stability, flexibility, and reliability as the share of intermittent renewable energy increases.
However, the Malampaya field is entering maturity, and without new discoveries or efficient management, the country may face supply shortages and volatility in electricity prices. To avoid this, policies must encourage exploration in frontier basins, provide predictable contract terms, and reduce regulatory risks that slow project development.
At the same time, the Philippines is expanding LNG import capability to supplement domestic gas. To manage this dual-source system effectively, government must clearly define quality standards, interconnection rules, tariff structures, and coordination mechanisms among gas suppliers, pipelines, power plants, and storage facilities. This prevents operational bottlenecks and ensures that both domestic and imported gas can be dispatched efficiently and competitively.
Strengthening midstream access rules—particularly for pipeline connections and terminal capacity—will reduce commercialization risk for new gas discoveries. Combined with transparent market operations and coherent energy planning, these reforms preserve reliability while supporting the gradual transition toward a cleaner power generation mix.
Renewable Energy
The Philippines has high potential for solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, but slow permitting, unclear land access, and transmission bottlenecks continue to delay project development. A one-stop, time-bound permitting system can greatly reduce administrative burden while maintaining environmental and social safeguards. Clear land acquisition and zoning rules are critical, especially for large-scale solar and onshore/offshore wind developments.
Geothermal energy offers continuous, baseload renewable power, which is especially valuable in balancing variable solar and wind generation. However, exploration and drilling are expensive and risky. Government-backed risk mitigation measures—such as drilling insurance, cost-sharing funds, or exploration guarantees—would encourage increased private participation and accelerate geothermal expansion.
Renewable energy growth also presents opportunities to build domestic industries, including manufacturing components, assembly of battery systems, and clean-energy-powered mineral processing. Tying renewable deployment to local supply-chain development ensures that job creation and economic value remain in the Philippines, not solely in imported equipment or foreign-operated generation assets.
Nuclear Energy
As the Philippines seeks long-term grid stability and low-carbon baseload power, nuclear energy is being considered as part of the future energy mix. However, this requires careful and comprehensive regulatory preparation. The Philippine nuclear regulatory authority must finalize licensing standards for both large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), define inspection and safety protocols, and adopt international best practices on operational transparency and personnel qualification.
Nuclear development also requires public trust and robust emergency planning. This includes transparent siting studies, seismic and coastal safety assessments, evacuation and medical response planning, and ongoing community engagement. Additionally, clear long-term strategies for spent fuel storage, eventual decommissioning, and financial liability are crucial to ensure intergenerational safety and accountability.
To make early nuclear projects economically viable, government may need to establish long-term power purchase frameworks, capacity market recognition, and risk-sharing mechanisms with the private sector. Simultaneously, the national grid must be reinforced to integrate nuclear facilities and ensure system reliability.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen has the potential to support industrial decarbonization, long-duration storage, and clean transport, but the market is still emerging and requires policy support. To move from feasibility studies to pilot projects, the government should implement targeted incentives such as tax credits, preferential financing, and demand-side programs in refineries, industrial facilities, and bus or truck fleets.
A national Hydrogen Code must define standards for safety, blending with natural gas, pipeline transport, storage, fueling stations, and worker training. Establishing a Guarantee of Origin (GO) certification ensures hydrogen can enter international supply chains, especially where buyers require proof of low carbon emissions.
Native hydrogen development requires a clear resource governance framework that defines legal ownership, tenure terms, exploration work obligations, data reporting, and environmental safeguards.
Building on the early awards in Zambales and Pangasinan, regulations should ensure transparent exploration results and responsible operational practices. At the same time, a structured pilot-to-commercial pathway is needed—establishing safety protocols, community engagement requirements, and decommissioning plans for pilot sites, with a streamlined process for scaling up to commercial production if technical and environmental performance thresholds are met.
Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy & Digital Governance
Open and standardized geoscience data can significantly reduce exploration risk and accelerate the identification of new mineral and energy prospects. By adopting an open-file data-sharing system, the government can ensure that geological maps, drill results, and resource assessments become accessible after reasonable confidentiality periods.
However, this openness must be paired with clear privacy and sovereignty safeguards, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly and used to support—not undermine—local and national interests.
A modern exploration data governance framework should require companies to submit exploration results in structured, digital formats that can be quickly integrated into national geoscience databases. This allows new information to immediately improve the understanding of an area’s resource potential, supporting transparent decision-making for future exploration licenses and contract awards.
Such a system helps attract credible investors, reduces duplication of effort, and promotes more efficient, evidence-based resource development.
Data governance for digitalized operations should ensure that information generated from sensors, monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance tools is handled in line with national privacy regulations and emerging AI oversight frameworks. This means energy and resource companies must adopt secure data-handling practices, maintain clear audit trails, safeguard operational and customer information, and ensure that automated systems support—not replace—responsible human decision-making.
Grid Connection and Transmission
Many planned renewable and clean energy projects cannot proceed because transmission lines are insufficient or delayed. To unlock investment, grid expansion must be planned ahead of energy development, not after. This includes new transmission corridors, substation upgrades, and inter-island connectivity.
The grid must also be modernized to handle more variable renewable power, energy storage systems, hydrogen-to-power facilities, and eventually nuclear plants. Updating grid codes, reserve market rules, and system flexibility arrangements will enable a stable, resilient, and future-ready power system.
Geoscience Profession Action Points
The geoscience profession plays a pivotal role in the Philippines’ modernized energy and resources framework by ensuring that exploration, extraction, and resource management are grounded in scientific integrity and sustainability.
Geoscientists lead in mapping, evaluating, and managing critical minerals such as nickel, copper, and rare earth elements under the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Mining, while also advancing subsurface studies for renewable, geothermal, and hydrogen energy development. Their technical expertise supports environmentally responsible extraction and provides a foundation for data-driven investment and policy decisions.
Beyond exploration, geoscientists are increasingly involved in advisory and regulatory roles—helping shape standards for environmental protection, carbon accounting, and geological safety.
By combining technical capability with governance and ethical responsibility, the geoscience profession strengthens national energy transition efforts, ensuring resource development that is sustainable, transparent, and beneficial for communities and investors alike.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ evolving energy and resources landscape demonstrates a powerful convergence of policy modernization, technological innovation, and sustainability-driven governance.
With forward-looking reforms spanning critical minerals, renewable energy, nuclear development, hydrogen, and digital transformation, the nation is laying a solid foundation for long-term energy security and economic competitiveness.
These efforts are not merely reactive responses to global trends—they represent a proactive commitment to reimagining national development through cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive systems of energy and resource management.
Ultimately, success will hinge on effective implementation, consistent regulatory clarity, and the meaningful integration of science, policy, and industry expertise.
By fostering collaboration among geoscientists, engineers, policymakers, and investors, the Philippines can ensure that each reform translates into real progress—empowering communities, preserving ecosystems, and reinforcing the country’s position as a regional model for sustainable energy governance.
Weir has been awarded a contract to supply a 150 tph crushing and screening plant for Bezant’s Hope and Gorob Copper-Gold Project in Namibia. The value of the agreement has not been disclosed.
The order includes: an ENDURON® ET905 jaw crusher; an ENDURON® ET906 jaw crusher; a Trio® TF4012 vibrating grizzly feeder; a Trio® EF3605 vibrating pan feeder; a Trio® TIOSP6162 scalping screen; conveyor belts; and the supporting steel structure.
Weir recently launched its new range of ENDURON® jaw crushers, which have been developed to enhance safety, boost productivity, simplify maintenance, and support its customers’ sustainability goals.
The updated ENDURON® jaw crushers now feature a redesigned Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which allows for true push-button control of CSS adjustments. This new feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing safety risks for operators and maintenance teams.
The new HPU also ensures consistent tensioning of the retraction springs at all times, improving reliability and ease of use across the full wear range of the jaw dies. The optimized motor power and oil tank capacity reduce the HPU’s CO2 footprint and reduce environmental impact.
To further improve performance and reduce downtime, the entire range of ENDURON® jaw crushers now include ESCO® wear parts. These components extend wear life, which means fewer maintenance interventions and increased equipment utilization – translating to lower operating costs and more efficient production.
JD Singleton, Weir Comminution Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: ‘There is obviously a lot of time, effort, and resources that go into designing, developing, and bringing to market new products.
"The range of ENDURON® jaw crushers was developed in close collaboration with our customers, so we’ve been confident throughout the entire process that these crushers will help miners overcome some of their most pressing operational challenges. Nevertheless, it’s rewarding to see this work come to fruition and the crushers performing well in some of the most arduous crushing applications," he said.
‘Today, miners are taking a more holistic view of their operations; rather than looking at pieces of equipment in isolation, they are increasingly considering how what happens upstream impacts what’s happening downstream, and vice versa. In other words, there’s more of a focus on optimizing the entire flowsheet," he added.
As an end-to-end solutions provider, Weir has long understood the value of this approach. Singletons said Weir worked closely with Bezant and its partners to develop a crushing and screening solution for the Hope and Gorob project that optimizes the entire flowsheet and enables them to meet their ambitious production targets.
Martyn Churchouse, Bezant Technical Director, said: ‘We are pleased to collaborate with Weir on this project. Their service center, located less than an hour from the mine site, significantly reduces project risk from a service and support perspective. We recognize that crushing and screening plants require extensive maintenance, and having a hands-on partner who supports and stands behind their own equipment is essential to ensuring our success.’
About the Weir Group PLC
Founded in 1871, The Weir Group PLC is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient. Weir’s highly engineered technology enables critical resources to be produced using less energy, water, and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership. Weir is ideally positioned to benefit from structural trends that support long-term demand for its technology, including the need for more essential metals to support economic development and the carbon transition.
The Group has12,000 employees operating in over 50 countries, with a presence in every major mining region of the world. Find out more at www.global.weir.com.
One of the main events of 2025 was the Philippines-Australia Business Council’s (PABC) 50th Anniversary. Established in July 1975, PABC commemorated this special occasion in a grand celebration that was held at Manila Polo Club in Makati last November 12.
This milestone event marks five decades of excellence, collaboration, and growth through active engagement across the industries, businesses and government sectors of the Philippines and Australia. Their primary goal is to promote trade, economic cooperation, and fostering friendship between the business communities of both countries.
PABC is more than just a business group. For five decades, their dedication and hard work in establishing good business relations between Philippines and Australia are testaments of their commitment in bringing national prosperity and progress.
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