In this article by Reuters News I interpret the main problem...

In this article by Reuters News I interpret the main problem being illigal mining with mercury leaching into fields and waterways. I would be pretty upset too ! Pelicans project does not involve ANY processing on site, no stock piling, no risk of acid leaching etc.
I would think the area would respond very well to rehabilitation and revegetation once the project is finished. And as the article says, the Government is keen to see foreign investments in the country and are taking steps to impose a more measured strategy in difference to the Green brigades.
Could we get a view from our management perhaps?
Meanwhile, I will find out how Xstrata is going at their "slightly" larger project!

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20110114/tbs-philippines-mining-8bedc88.html