News Update Australia issues another travel advisory for May 10 polls

For the second time in the week leading to the Philippines’ first automated election, Australia issued a new travel advisory Saturday, warning its nationals to keep away from polling places.

In its travel advisory dated May 8, Australia said it is “common" to have an increase in politically motivated violations in the period around elections.

“The Philippines will hold country-wide elections on 10 May 2010. It is common for there to be an increase in politically motivated violence in the period around elections. Australians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution near polling stations on 10 May," it said. It likewise reminded its nationals to monitor the media for information about any protests or political rallies and follow the advice of authorities.

Only last May 3, Australia advised its nationals to “avoid any large gatherings, demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public and political events as they may turn violent."

Australia likewise reiterated its warning against travel to Mindanao, including the mainland, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, citing threats of kidnapping and terrorism there.

Earlier, the United States issued a warden message to its nationals in the Philippines to keep a low profile amid “sporadic" poll violence.

The governments of Canada and the United Kingdom similarly warned their nationals of security risks ranging from tension at rallies to attacks on political headquarters.

“The security situation remains uncertain and there is a risk of election related violence throughout the country. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings, as the situation could deteriorate rapidly. Political parties’ headquarters and political rallies should also be avoided, as they could be the target of attacks," Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada said in its travel report dated May 5.

For its part, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it is common to see an increase in politically motivated violence in the period around elections.

“National elections are scheduled for May 10. You should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people. There is often a rise in tensions and political unrest around Public Holidays, political events and important anniversaries," added the UK FCO in an advisory updated May 4. — LBG

News Update Aussie miner Red 5 Limited finds gold at Mapawa site

Australian miner Red 5 Limited has found evidence of gold at the Mapawa drilling site near its Siana gold project in Surigao del Norte.
“We’ll conduct more tests to establish mineralization in the area," Managing Director Greg Edwards said last week.
An updated report showed the inaugural deep drill hole at Mapawa had been extended by 100 meters beyond the original plan to a final depth of 546 meters.
The report said the first hole intersected 189 meters at 1 gram per ton (g/t) of gold and 0.17 percent copper. The second hole was completed at 560 meters.
Edwards said the company was on its third hole, which could go down to a depth of 1,000 meters.
The company started drilling at Mapawa last January.

Edwards said the company has enough resources to pursue an active exploration program. Initial budget for exploration and drilling is about P150 million.
“Estimated development could take about three or four years," Edwards said.
Meanwhile, the company expects to start mining construction at its $35-million Siana Gold project in southern Philippines by the second quarter of next year.

The report said the pre-feasibility study of the Siana Gold project would be completed in the next few months and that the project could start early next year.
The company is in talks with seven foreign banks, including ABN Amro Bank and MacQuarie Bank Ltd., to fund the project.

Tenement holder JCG Resources and Red 5, together with partners Merill Crowe, Surigao Holdings and the Philippine Employee Fund, have pooled their resources to form joint venture company Greenstone Resources Corp. to take care of operations at Siana Mine.
Company comptroller Lolot Manigsaca said 40 percent of the capital investment would come from Australia, where the Red 5 is listed. The balance will be funded by loans.

Based on the feasibility study, inferred resources are about 6.69 million metric tons that will churn out 1.2 million ounces of gold at 5.2 grams per ton and 2.09 million ounces silver at 9.7 grams per ton with a 12-year mine life.
The first six years of development will be operated via an open pit structure, while the last 6 years will be through underground mining.
The project is estimated to contribute as much as P6.8 billion in community and government taxes — P3.11 billion in value-added taxes and duties, P2.45 billion in corporate income taxes, P668 million in excise taxes, P508 million in local taxes and fees, and P130 million in social development management projects. — NPA