Semirara Mining and Power Corp has denied accusations of using toxic chemicals in its mining process, saying that it only involves extraction, stockpiling and shiploading.
The company sent a letter to the Department of Energy in response to environmental concerns of the agency over its mining operations in Semirara Island in Antique.
DOE secretary Alfonso Cusi sent a letter to Semirara chief executive Isidro Consunji on Aug 12, ordering the company to explain issues such as toxic wastes, sulfur content, mining overburden, land-grabbing and livelihood which were raised by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
DENR also issued a show cause order to Semirara on alleged mining violations. The company said that it was registered with the Environment Management Bureau as a hazardous waste generator to cover its equipment and facilities for hazardous materials like oil, batteries, electronic equipment, etc.
“SMPC do not utilize toxic chemicals or materials in its operations,” it said.
