The Rapu Rapu Polymetallic Project on Rapu Rapu island in the South East of the Philippines is a open pit mine with a estimated annual production of approximately 11,000 tonnes of copper in concentrates, 13,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrates, as well as amounts of gold and silver. It is fully operating since early 2007 after an initial aborted operation in 2005 due to two cyanide spills. The mining company has exploration leases that cover over 80 percent of the island surface.

The island of Rapu Rapu (population 10.000) is home to agricultural and fishing communities reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods. The fragile but relatively intact island ecosystem hosts several bird and mammal species severely threatened elsewhere in the Philippines while the waters surrounding the island teems with fish and marine mammals. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, turtles egrets and purple herons are frequently sighted.

The mine has been in operation since February 2007 after a prolonged shut down due to a operating ban as a result of two spills that lead to fish kills. The mining operation has been repeatedly interrupted by breakdown of equipment, damage caused by typhoon in early 2007 but first shipments have been made.

Since mid 2007 Lafayette was actively seeking ways to expand the current operation and extend the life time of the mine. Airial and surface explorations -blasting- efforts are underway and Lafayette believes it is able to expand current pit. The extension plans are squarely opposed by local communities.

Early October 2007, Lafayette announced a major restructuring and recapitalisation of the project, which essentially is a buy out of the bank lending group by a new 'Special Purpose Vehicle' (SPV) jointly owned by Cornerstone Investors and SEASAF. The deal was not finalised and Lafayette went into voluntary administration, which was effectively a near bankruptcy.

In April 2008, Kores and LG increased their ownership stake to 70 percent and added Malaysian smelting corporation merhad as third co-owner of the mine, after a full buyout of Lafayette mining of Australia. On 24 October 2008, Korea Resources Inc (KORES) and LG International Corp were allowed to resume operations at the Rapu Rapu copper and zinc mine (Reuters).