http://globalnation.inq7.net/cebudailynews/news/view_article.php?article_id=8227
By Jhunnex Napallacan
Cebu Daily News

The town of Dalaguete has joined the Ibalong Resources Development Corp. in petitioning the Department of Energy (DOE) to reopen the company’s coal mine in Barangay Dumalan.
Mayor Ronald Alan Cesante said Tuesday he asked Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla not to revoke Ibalong’s mining permits because closing down the mine would deprive over 100 residents of work.

Cesante, however, said the mine should be subject to strict safety measures when it is reopened.

The mine was the site of an explosion on December 10, 2005 that killed eight miners and injured several others.

Investigators blamed the explosion on the buildup of methane gas inside the mine due to poor ventilation.

The mine has not operated since the incident.

Cesante asked Lotilla in a letter to consider the stand of the town, since the economy and the welfare of its residents would be at stake if the mine ceased operating.

“The closure of Ibalong can affect the economy of our town, especially (Barangay) Dumalan and neighboring barangays where people are relying on the mining industry,” Cesante said.
The mayor said the town government supported Ibalong’s motion for reconsideration that it filed in response to the recommendation by the DOE to shut the mine down.
Lotilla approved the recommendation last month.

Cesante said he opposed the recommended shutdown, but urged the DOE to check on the mine to see if Ibalong had complied with government safety regulations, specifically proper mine ventilation.

And if the mine was allowed to reopen, the mayor also urged stricter monitoring of the mine’s operations to avoid a repeat of the December 10 incident.