Tampakan mine

The Tampakan deposit is a large copper and gold orebody located in the south of the Philippines in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Tampakan represents one of the largest copper resources in the Philippines and in the world having an estimated resource of 2.94 billion tonnes of ore grading 0.6% copper. The deposit also has a resource of 18 million oz of gold.[1]

The proposed copper and gold mine is being developed by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) under a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.[2] SMI is a joint venture between global giant Glencore, Australia's Indophil Resources, and Filipino firm Tampakan Group of Companies. The company is currently seeking local and national government approval of the proposed mine, including securing the consent of the indigenous people affected by the Project, as required under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942).[3]

Once approved for operations, the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project will be the largest in the Philippines and among the largest copper mines in the world.

The local government of Tampakan has cancelled its agreement with Sagittarius Mines to develop the reserves into a mine in 2020 alleging that the terms of the deal is lopsided against residents and the community.[4]