Panama Vows to Talk to First Quantum in Coming Months on Shuttered Mine

  • Government focused on social security reform, water projects
  • Mine must be reopened to responsibly close facility: Minister
The Cobre Panama mine in Donoso, Panama.Photographer: Luis Acosta/AFP/Getty Images
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Panama’s government says it will engage with First Quantum Minerals Ltd. in the coming months to discuss the environmental impact of its shuttered copper mine.

Panama’s new president, who took office earlier this month, has said that the mine may need to be temporarily reopened in order to responsibly prepare for a permanent closure. The Central American government is focusing on more pressing priorities for now, but will have discussions with First Quantum in due course, Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez said Wednesday.