MANILA, Philippines - Semirara Mining Corp. on Wednesday said it was given approval by the Energy department to commence preparatory activities at a portion of its Panian coal mine, after a landslide incident that killed five last month forced operations to a halt.

"After the review/evaluation of the work program for the North Panian area and the additional safety and operational measures/program to be incorporated in the preparatory activities, we give you permission to proceed with the preparatory activities for the North Panian area," read the letter from the DOE, as quoted by Semirara in a disclosure.

"We will regularly monitor the progress of your work and the safety measures being implemented during the preparatory activities."

Operations at the Panian coal mine have been suspended since last month after a landslide incident at the western portion of the site. The government is currently investigating the incident, which killed five miners and left another five missing.

"Please be informed that before actual coal mining activities are commenced, this Office will review the safety and operational measures implemented," the Energy department told Semirara.

"Further, this permit to start preparatory activities for the North Panian area is without prejudice to possible sanctions that may be imposed depending on the results of the on-going investigation on the West Wall rockslide incident and the search and recovery operations should continue."