Coal mining in the Philippines

Coal mining in the Philippines has a long history dating back to the 1800s during the Spanish colonization of the islands.

In October 17, 1842, Governor General Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri issued a circular to alcaldes mayores and other provincial authorities regarding information about possible coal deposits in their area.

The colonial government effectively had a monopoly of the industry especially after the coal mine in Guila-Guila in Cebu was put under control of the state.

There were 15 localities over the whole island, on both coast; some desultory mining had been carried out Naga near Mount Uling, but most serious operations were at Licos and Camansi west of Compostela and Danao.

The tramroads, one from Danao to Camansi, one from Compostela to Mount Licos, were undertaken in 1895, together with a wagon road built in 1877, from Cotcot to Dapdap.