Semirara targets 16 MMT coal production this year

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the leading coal producer in the country, is hoping to end the year on a high note with a production target of 16 million metric tons (MMT).

- By BRIX LELIS

"Our focus is on meeting our coal production target of 16 (MMT) and achieving a balance in our contracted generation capacity mix," SMPC president and COO Maria Cristina Gotianun said.

The company also expects coal and electricity prices to "remain stable" for the remaining months of the year.

An integrated power generator, SMPC supplies fuel to power plants, cement factories and other industrial facilities across the country. It also exports coal to China, South Korea, Brunei and other nearby markets.

In the third quarter, coal production grew by seven percent to three MMT from 2.8 MMT due to a low-base effect following the near-depletion of Molave mine and pre-stripping activities in Narra mine last year.