Philippines Update

Philippines Update

2nd November 2006

Philippines President Arroyo has spent much of the week in China and Hong Kong, engaging in talks as the current head of ASEAN. Of course various mining deals have resulted from these activities, promoting the idea that the Philippines is 'open for business' (or sale), especially to China. MAC editoral board member, Kalikasan-PNE, reminds us of the price being paid for the promotion of such mining, highlighting the deaths of 18 environmental activists under Arroyo's regime.

However, this continuing threat is not sufficient to intimidate local opposition. Lafayette's Rapu Rapu project once again makes the news, as it battles to return to "normal" production against yet more threatened legal action; and local communities re-affirm their opposition to Crew Gold's local partner at Lake Sebu, Daguma Agro.

Meanwhile, almost cavalier in the face of controversy, UK-Swiss Xstrata is still hedging its bets on the option on the nearby Tampakan project.