Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

College of Engineering, University of the Philippines

Diliman, Quezon City
1101
981 85 00
loc 925 82-05
- - 3132

15 October 2015

Dr. Ricardo Sigua

Director
Institute of Civil Engineering
University of the Philippines - Diliman

Dear Dr. SIGUA,

Greetings!
We, Mining Engineering students from the University of the Philippines Diliman, currently
enrolled in Mining Engineering 198: Special Problems would like to conduct a study about
soil stabilization of the Panian pit of the Semirara Coal Mining and DMCI Nickel Mine in
Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Our study entitled, Introduction of physico-chemical engineering
measures in enhancing the slope stability of mining materials: Coal Waste Dump and
Nickel Ore Stockpile aims to introduce suitable physico-chemical engineering measures
which would further enhance stability of the pit upon its saturation with fluids especially of
rainwater. Another, the team would like to compare the results and applicability of the
proposed methods to one another as they all faces sloughing problems.
Several tests are to be conducted in the course of the project, some of which may even only
be available in certain laboratories. We are informed that your facilities can accommodate
some of our tests. In regards with this, may we ask for your permission as well us laboratory
guidance for us to conduct the following tests in your facilities, if available:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Atterberg Limits
Permeameter
Proctor Compaction Test
Hydrometer Analysis
Grain Size Analysis
Specific Gravity
Direct Shear Test

As an advocate in promoting safe and responsible mining in the industry, we would like to
seek for an advisory from your Geotechnical Group under the headship of Dr. Mark Albert
H. Zarco for we believe that the knowledge they could impart with us will greatly help in our
understanding of the geotechnical conditions our research focuses on.

Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

College of Engineering, University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
1101
981-85-00
loc 925-82-05
- - 3132

We look forward for your positive response for our request. We could provide you the result
and a copy of our report. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact Ms.
Almajeda through this number +639057979056.
Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

KIMBERLY S. ALMAJEDA

JASMIN DE VERA

Endorsed by:

HERMAN D. MENDOZA, Dr. Eng.

Professor/Thesis Adviser

KATHERINE MOLINA