DOE revives coal auction, awarding targeted in 2027

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The Department of Energy (DOE) has revived its coal auction, including coal blocks in Semirara Island in Antique, despite concerns about the rule that requires mining companies to surrender their assets to the government.

In a notice of bidding issued on Nov. 10, the auction is pursuant to DOE and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Joint Administrative Order No. 2026-01.

The bidding covers 10 coal blocks in Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique; three coal blocks in Amulung and Iguig in Cagayan; and five blocks in Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan in Isabela Province.

According to DOE's timeline, the pre-bid conference will be held on November 13 and the deadline for submission of bids is December 11.

The bid opening date will also be on December 11.

The declaration of the highest-rated qualified bidder will be on December 28.

Meanwhile, the notice of award is scheduled on January 11, 2027.

“The DOE reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to modify or amend this NOB, instruction to bidders or any related documents, and to suspend or annul the bid round at any time prior to the award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders or any obligation to inform the bidder/s,” the notice read.

Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) earlier cried foul over the latest bidding rules requiring the company to surrender its assets to the government if it joins the auction for Semirara Island’s mines.

SMPC also said the shift to the highest bidder from the most capable mining outfit as the main award criterion early this year “is puzzling."

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. also raised questions over the rule requiring the surrender of assets, noting that this could affect the financial position of existing operators. —AOL, GMA News