kutamaya

The Philippines Commission on Human Rights says an Australian mine operator will be investigated for alleged human rights abuses.

Oceana Gold (Philippines) Inc. would be investigated for rights violations at its gold and copper mine site in Didipio in the country's north.

Commission chairwoman Leila de Lima says the company has been accused of forcibly demolishing more than 180 houses owned by a local tribal community.

Other alleged abuses include a connection to "killings, forced negotiations and harassments" .

In a statement Oceana Gold says it continues to abide by laws governing its mine site

The firm is a unit of Australia's Oceana Gold Corporation and the 320-million-dollar project is due to start production in 2010. ( radio australia )