SAN Miguel Energy Corp. (SMEC), the power arm of San Miguel Corp., has recently acquired the right to operate in three mining areas in Mindanao with the capacity to produce coal for 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Ramon Ang, SMC president, said they have already concluded talks with the three local firms that own the concessions. “We have already bought 100 percent of Daguma, Bonanza and Sultan.”

He said SMEC is consolidating all the coal mines in the area so they can determine the exact volume of the coal deposits. Once they know, Ang said they would start development, including the power plant.

He said they will continue to look at other opportunities for coal-mine acquisitions in Mindanao. “We are interested to acquire all that” because mining and using coal is cheaper and faster compared with other fuels like natural gas. He believes that clean-coal technologies could address environmental concerns.

He added their power firm is also planning to put up a 300-MW coal plant in Negros. “We’re looking into it already.”

He said their newly acquired Daguma Agro Minerals Inc. concession has rights in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, an area known for its rich coal deposits.

Daguma Agro, owned and controlled by Ben Guingona, used to be the partner of UK-based Crew Gold Corp., which pulled out from the coal project in barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, due to strong opposition from the Church.

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