A fact-finding mission has uncovered further evidence that the Xstrata-operated Tampakan mine in the Philippines did not have the Free, Prior, Informed Consent of the affected B’laan communities. Despite this, and the recent provincial ordinance against open-pit mining, the company continues to move forward with the project. Research is being done to create ‘buffer-zones’ around the proposed mine. The province is also coming under continued pressure from the national government to reverse the ban on open-pit mining. Bishop Gutierrez has written to the new Governor asking them to stand by his decision. Meanwhile, one of the municipalities, in a neighbouring province but, bordering the project has approved a resolution rejecting the project.
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=10384.