Beneath southern Mindanao's spectacular volcanic ridges lies big money. The kind of spectacular wealth that Australia's Western Mining Corporation are looking forward to harvesting. Yet the land is also ancestral land, home of the spirits of trees and rivers. The company have been quick to quiet locals' fears. New community centres, houses and health clinics have sprung-up as a sign of the prosperity the mine could spread. They've even signed an agreement with local leaders in support of the mine. But many are changing their minds. It's well understood here that in the past troops have protected logging and other businesses against tribal hostilities. And they're turning to rebel groups to ready themselves for a fight. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front are strong in Mindanao. We watch them training in full military regalia with plenty of firepower. Al Haj Murad is the guerrilla's military leader. When locals speak, he listens...and he doesn't like what he hears about the WMC. It seems there is a real chance the company's presence here could re-ignite violence.

Produced by ABC Australia