No plan to close coal mines

While the country is working to expand its renewable energy (RE) fleet, the Department of Energy (DOE) clarified that it is not pushing for a complete halt in coal mine operations.

- By GABRIELL CHRISTEL GALANG.

During a panel discussion at the Economic Journalists’ Association of the Philippines (EJAP) energy forum last week, Energy Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol explained that the DOE cannot order a complete stop on coal mining, but it is considering other clean technologies and materials that could be utilized for various energy projects.

“Tt’s not our mandate to close mining plants. In fact, we appreciate the mining companies because their idle lands are used for RE. We have the biggest floating solar in Cebu from mining. And then we have [in] Masbate, a ground-mounted solar project,” she said.