Second attack kills 13 at TVI’s Canatuan

Vancouver — Less than a month after receiving approval to develop the Canatuan polymetallic property in the Philippines, TVI Pacific (TVI-T) has again felt the impact of local rebels.

In late December, members of the Canatuan indigenous Subanen community, including women, children and TVI employees, were ambushed on a provincial road linking the Canatuan mine site to the town of Siocon. Thirteen people were killed and 12 others were injured in the shooting. Among the dead were two TVI employees hired to provide security to the project area and its inhabitants.

Police and military personnel are investigating the incident, which is not expected to affect startup.

It was the second ambush in the area in 2002. In March, two security guards employed by TVI were killed near the Canatuan property.

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are suspected of perpetrating the attacks.

Situated in the southwestern province of Zamboanga del Norte, the project hosts an open-pit reserve of 1.1 million tonnes grading 3.77 grams gold and 105.7 grams silver per tonne in the oxide zone and 1.51 million tonnes grading 1.31 grams gold and 62.14 grams silver, plus 2.79% copper and 2% zinc, in the sulphide portion.

TVI will rehabilitate an existing plant on site and treat 50 tonnes of ore per day, gradually ramping up to 500 tonnes per day.

“The start of production at Canatuan is a milestone for TVI,” says President Clifford James. “The production decision is the result of a long and intensive effort by our team in a difficult environment, and demonstrates support for the project at both the local and national levels.”