Minera Panama seeks insurance before mobilizing Suntracs

The Mining company Panama SAresponsible for the Cobre Panamá project, requested security before calling for a large march and symbolic act of closing the mine that the Unified Construction Workers Union (Suntracs) has scheduled for next January 9.

The company has asked the authorities to guarantee the safety of its associates, who are currently in charge of the conservation and safe management phase at the mining site.

In this way, the company called on the competent authorities to secure the scene and guarantee peace and public order in order to prevent any violent or illegal actions.

“We recognize the legitimate right to peaceful protest without harming third parties and strongly condemn any act of violence”said a subsidiary of Canada’s First Quantum Minerals LTD.

Minera Panama SAhe repeated that all activities related to research, extraction and processing are being stopped.

Panamanian copper It also carries out conservation and safe management tasks necessary to protect the environmental stability of the location and prevent possible damage to the environment, according to the January 5 press release.

“We reaffirm our willingness to participate in a constructive dialogue and be part of the solution. The safety of our associates, neighboring communities and environmental protection remains our priority,” he said.

He Single Trade Union of Construction Workers (Suntracs) also reacted to the statement of Minera Panamá SA

“They have looted Panama’s natural resources, violated environmental regulations, functioned as an enclave, destroyed a biological corridor and now seek pardon and repression of a symbolic act,” the labor union responded.

After approximately 37 days of strong mobilization in the streets, on November 27, 2023, the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) of Panama declared unconstitutional Contract Law 406 of October 20, 2023, which adopts the contract between of the Panamanian state and the company Minera Panamá, SA

On January 2, in his report to the Nation, President Laurentino Cortizo reaffirmed compliance with the judgment Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) and initiation of the procedure for orderly, safe and final closure Panama copper mineconcession that started 32 years ago in Panama.

He People’s government has already presented the country with a proposed roadmap that will include the formation of a technical group to prepare a final closure plan.

The plan includes a process of environmental and technical audits carried out by a team of qualified domestic and international experts, representatives of various sectors with extensive experience in various disciplines.}

This team will be supported by space for communication, cooperation, supervision and consultation with citizens. This plan also envisages the adoption of necessary actions for conservation and
protect the environment, the safety of buildings and surrounding communities.