Xstrata recently announced a further increase in estimated at the Tampakan mine project – to 13.5 million tonnes of copper and 15.8 million ounces of gold.  In covering the announcement, Miningnews.net used the headline: “Monster grows again” – which would seem a fair summary, especially from the viewpoint of local people. As opposition by the tribal B’laan looks like becomingy more violent, Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez met with staff of the Philippine-based subsidiary, SMI, and warned them to “expect more opposition in the days ahead”. Meanwhile, SMI has revealed plans for further ‘development’ of a power plant; objections to coal-fired power stations, linked to the project, generate as much anger as the mine itself.
See http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=9598.