Panama Supreme Court rules against Canadian mine concession
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Tuesday against a 20-year concession for a Canadian copper mine that has been the focus of widespread environmental protests. The court deemed the concession unconstitutional, and shortly after the ruling, President Laurentino Cortizo announced that a process to close the mine would begin.
The Cobre Panama mine, operated by Minera Panama, a local subsidiary of Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, has been the subject of intense opposition from environmental groups who argue that it would damage a forested coastal area and threaten water supplies.
The announcement of the court’s decision set off cheers among a crowd of people waiting outside the court, waving Panamanian flags. Protester Raisa Banfield expressed relief, stating, “This is what we had been waiting for.”
In response to the ruling, Minera Panama issued a statement acknowledging the court’s decision and reaffirming their commitment to regulatory compliance.
President Cortizo told the nation that the government would begin the process for an orderly closure of the mine once the court’s decision is published in the official gazette.
The Cobre Panama mine is a major employer in Panama, accounting for 3% of the country’s gross domestic product. However, the dispute over its operation led to widespread protests, including blockades and demonstrations near the mine site and on the Pan American highway.
The ruling comes after months of negotiations between the government and First Quantum Minerals, eventually leading to a legislative agreement to continue operating the mine for at least 20 more years. However, the contract was met with opposition and protests, ultimately leading to the Supreme Court decision that declared it unconstitutional.
The Canadian government has expressed respect for the ruling and is closely following the contract negotiation. Jean-Pierre J. Godbout, a spokesperson for the government’s Global Affairs Department, stated that the government “consistently hopes for an agreed solution that is beneficial to all parties.”
The ruling marks a significant victory for environmental activists and opponents of the Cobre Panama mine, and the decision to close the mine represents a major shift in the country’s approach to environmental conservation and the protection of natural resources.