‘The next government cannot ignore the contribution of mining’

Chief Executive Officer of First Quantum, Tristan Pascalhe emphasized that the contribution of responsible mining is an issue that the next government of Panama should not ignore.

According to the executive, two months after the mass protests, the situation has turned slightly positive for First Quantum.

The Financial Post notes that the protests have calmed down and there may be room for discussion about the contribution of mining to the Panamanian economy as the country heads towards elections in May.

“We see that some emotions (protests) have decreased”Pascall explained. “There are significant economic challenges emerging in the country and we believe it is impossible for the next government to ignore the contribution that a responsible mining sector can make.”

As the mine implements its closure plan – a process that could take several years – “there are more questions around the decision” about the impact the move could have on the country’s economy, Pascall added.

Pascall emphasized that Cobre Panama has zero net impact on the environment and that much of the sentiment is against mining acquitted of fake news and misinformationwhich he hopes to correct as the space for debate and discussion about the mine expands.

For example, he mentioned that there are rumors about how the company takes water from Panama Canalwhich he described as completely false.

Despite the apparent change in mood, Pascall does not allow himself to speculate whether this could lead to a possible restart of the mine.

“Obviously, it’s up to the Panamanian people,” he said. “We are ready to be part of a long-term solution for the country.”

He emphasized that he is focused on the closure plan. As for the arbitration proceedings, Pascall stressed that the company’s legal case is “extremely strong”, but it would not be the company’s preferred route.

In the publication in question, former minister Dulcidio De La Guardia explained the decision to close the mine was “very unhappy”while Joana Ábrego, from the Center for Environmental Advocacy, admitted that there was concern “about the potential reactivation of the mine”. due to the recent statements of several presidential candidates.