Transparency is key to stopping copper mines

The word blasting, which refers to the act of pulverizing rock, hard soil, or separating a metallic element using explosives, gained more popularity after mines in Cobre Panamá, located in Donoso, Colón, started his so-called initial conservation and safe management plan (PGS)after the state order ceased to operate.

Although blasting in copper mines is a fundamental process for the extraction of minerals, those currently taking place at the project are not for the exploration, exploitation or processing of the minerals, but to eliminate any explosives that may have remained on the site, prior to decommissioning.

On January 29, the company itself explained in a press release that the appropriate procedure for achieving the aforementioned is the process of blasting or controlled detonation, according to national and international regulations. Detonation is necessary to prevent the uncontrolled release of hazardous substances and to mitigate the potential impact on the environment. Furthermore, the presence of unused explosives increases the risk of accidental detonation, which can have serious consequences for the safety of people and the environment.

READ ALSO: Why will Cobre Panamá carry out blasting in the mine?

Everything is part of the activities for ecological stability and property integrity Panamanian copperbecause they assure that what they are looking for is transparency in the plan they are implementing to avoid disinformation, in fact, they have allowed the portal transparencycobrepanama.com to also deny the fake news and announce that work has been suspended since last November 2023 both in the mine and in the international port of Punta Rincón .

Recently, the company released its Program of participation of visitors and citizens, which includes tours lasting approximately seven or eight hours, for all interested Panamanians over the age of 18 who want to learn firsthand about the plan’s activities being implemented. According to Maro Gálvez, the company’s spokesperson, to visit the project you must register at transparencycobrepanama.com and reserve a date to visit. The tours, free of charge, will depart from the Hotel Coclé and include transportation, snacks and food throughout the day.

READ ALSO: Panama’s copper mine opens its doors to visitors

The company stated that the plan adopts the best environmental, social and economic practices to create a plan for the stabilization of the environment and the integrity of (non-operating) assets in Panama.

Lawyer and former manager Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco), Pedro Meilánhe explained then that the necessary measures must be taken to carry out essential activities, in order not to cause serious damage to the environment, such as the preservation of existing equipment and infrastructure, which is why he believes that the state should start exploring dialogue with the mine, after the Supreme the court of justice (CSJ) declared unconstitutional the contract that gave life to work in that area, which, in his opinion, can be renegotiated respecting each of the points that are considered unconstitutional.

In fact, an international port Punta Rincon It is necessary to continue supplying the construction site with various necessities, so a coastal ship has also arrived that will deliver the parts and spare parts necessary for the continuation of the phase Conservation and safe management and a barge loaded with basic supplies such as water, dry food and other supplies purchased from local suppliers in Panama, intended for the 1,400 Panamanian associates who continue to work in the said phase. In addition, recyclable materials such as steel must be loaded onto ships.

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