Semirara boosts coal output, hires more workers

Published July 16, 2017, 10:01 PM By James A. Loyola

http://business.mb.com.ph/2017/07/16/semirara-boosts-coal-output-hires-more-workers/

Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) is increasing its coal production to 16 million metric tons in the next two to three years, in line with the national government’s thrust for power stability, optimal energy pricing and modernized infrastructure.

In 2016, SMPC achieved its highest coal production level at 11.9 million metric tons. The majority of its coal supply was sold to local power and cement producers.

Because of the higher production target, SMPC has hired 387 personnel for key positions in its Semirara Island mine site to support its operational expansion plans.

According to SMPC President and COO Victor A. Consunji, the company still needs to fill nearly 170 positions in its mine site within the year. To meet their talent requirements, SMPC has begun conducting inter-island job caravans.

Among the vacant positions in the Semirara Island mine site are dump truck drivers, backhoe and bulldozer operators, motor graders, water truck drivers, cadet engineers, staff auditors and staff nurses.

Last May, the SMPC job caravan attracted more than 100 job seekers from Semirara Island and nearby areas like Mindoro and Iloilo. From the caravan alone, SMPC has hired 40 personnel or nearly 40 percent of the total number of applicants.

Applicants were given a tour of the mine site to become familiar with the company’s operations. Those from nearby islands were also given temporary housing during their stay.

SMPC invited representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, PhilHealth, SSS, local government unit (LGU) and the local police to assist applicants with the requisite government registrations.

“We are grateful to our host community, the LGU and public sector partners for helping us with our recruitment efforts. With their continued assistance, we can provide more people with high-value employment,” added Consunji.

SMPC is the only power producer in the country that owns and mines its own fuel source (coal), which allows it to generate reliable, affordable energy for the Luzon and Visayas grids.