MANILA, Feb 8: The Philippines gave the go-ahead on Thursday for Australia's Lafayette Mining to resume operations at its controversial Rapu-Rapu site, which had been closed for environmental infringements.

"The mining operations of Lafayette can now proceed," Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes told a news conference as he formally announced the lifting of a 15-month suspension of the company's mining operations.

Conditions imposed for the lifting of the ban at its mine on the small eastern island meant the company has had to nearly double its capital investment on the project, officials said.—AFP