Panama’s Top Court Considers Lawsuit Over First Quantum Deal

Protests against the miner have paralyzed Panama this week
Shares in First Quantum dropped after court’s statement

Demonstrators block a road during a protest against First Quantum Minerals in Panama City, Panama, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. Panama’s Supreme Court will consider a lawsuit which alleges that the nation’s contract with First Quantum  violates the constitution. — Demonstrators block a road during a protest against First Quantum Minerals in Panama City, Panama, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. Panama’s Supreme Court will consider a lawsuit which alleges that the nation’s contract with First Quantum violates the constitution.
Photographer: Walter Hurtado/Bloomberg

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By Michael D McDonald

October 26, 2023 at 3:16 PM UTC

Updated on

October 26, 2023 at 4:54 PM UTC

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Panama’s Supreme Court will consider a lawsuit which alleges that the nation’s contract with copper miner First Quantum Minerals Ltd. violates the constitution.

The court said in a statement that it will issue an opinion on the lawsuit within 10 business days. If it then proceeds, it will request written arguments from attorneys representing both sides. From there, it would advance to the magistrates for a ruling, the court said.