Turning Waste Into Resource

We make conscious and disciplined efforts to recycle coal combustion residuals (CCR), mainly as an aggregate material for cement manufacturing. We utilize coal ash as a supplementary material and as a substitute for clinker, an input used to strengthen cement. While coal ash cannot completely replace clinker in cement production, using it as an add-on contributes to reducing GHG emissions.

SMGP’s Limay Power Plant and Malita Power Plant have been successful in recycling as much as 80-90% and 70-80% of their coal ash, respectively. This is achieved through recycling coal ash from Limay Power Plant at Petron Bataan Refinery’s cogeneration facility, reducing the plants’ consumption of virgin inert materials (e.g. silica sand), and supplying NCC and Southern Concrete with aggregate material for cement production.

Since not all CCR can be recycled, we put significant efforts and investments in proper storage of the excess. We strictly follow and comply with the DENR’s Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standard of 2016 (DAO 2016- 08) to ensure proper management, storage, and monitoring.

We also value the involvement of our partner communities. We carry out information, education, and communication campaigns to discuss specific measures undertaken to ensure that our activities do not cause harm to the environment and to the health of individuals.

We also employ biomats made up of biodegradable natural fibers, such as straw, coir, and jute, to cover the ash and prevent erosion and blowing away. The biomats have seedlings already planted, which provide immediate soil stabilization and protection, and strengthen vegetation on slopes. This area will eventually be covered in trees by the end of its 25-year lifespan.

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