Xstrata resumes Philippines gold mine operations following rebel attack
Source: 08-AUG-2008 Intellasia | BusinessWorl | Dow Jones
Aug 8, 2008 - 7:00:00 AM Anglo-Swiss miner Xstrata Plc (XTA.LN) has resumed technical operations at its Tampakan copper-gold project in southern Philippines following a recent attack on the mine by communist insurgents, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Xstrata is currently conducting an extended pre-feasibility study of the mining project.

"They have already resumed drilling," said Horacio Ramos, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, which oversees mining operations in the country.

However, drilling operations at the mining project were being concentrated in certain areas to maximise security, Ramos told reporters.

Security at the mine site was being beefed up by members of the host community, he said.

"The company doesn't want to hire security forces outside of the community because it would appear to be militarisation," he said.

Last month, communist rebels torched a drill rig at the mine site. The incident was the second of its kind this year, following a New Year's Eve attack on the mine.

In a related development, government agencies will meet next week to finalise a plan to deploy military and police personnel in key investment sites, including mining, Ramos said.

The plan has been prompted by a series of attacks by communist guerillas beginning last year against certain mining projects in the country.