{
  "id": 10486377,
  "title": "‘New auction rules put Semirara coal output at risk’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/new-auction-rules-put-semirara-coal-output-at-risk",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/09/29/2559567/new-auction-rules-put-semirara-coal-output-risk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Semirara coal mine in Antique may face production halts if the government selects the winning bidder solely based on the financial offer, according to its operator. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), led by Consunji, cautioned that relying on the highest bidder without considering mining expertise poses significant risks. SMPC, the largest coal producer in the Philippines, currently supplies around 90% of the nation's coal. Production surged by 24% in 2025, reaching 19.9 million metric tons, up from 16 million metric tons in 2024.\n\nUnder their current contract, SMPC is obligated to remit 30% of net proceeds as royalties to the Department of Energy (DOE). The mining firm has expressed concern that the new auction rules, which prioritize financial bids, could jeopardize operational continuity and the welfare of communities reliant on the mine. SMPC called for a more comprehensive evaluation process that considers technical capability, operating experience, and financial capacity. The company's contract expires in July 2027, and the DOE rejected SMPC's extension request, opting instead to auction the contract. The bidding process for 2026 Semirara coal output began in February, was postponed in April, and was subsequently abandoned earlier this month. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the auction will be relaunched in early October.",
  "summary": "The Semirara coal mine in Antique could face zero output if the government awards the new contract solely to the highest bidder, regardless of mining expertise, its current operator warned.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}