Panama orders halt to new mining projects as street protests grow
This article is a summary of reporting by Reuters. Originally published October 28, 2023.
Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo announced that the government would reject all new mining concessions amid intense public opposition. The move came in response to widespread road blockades and demonstrations organized by environmentalists, Indigenous groups, and labor unions. Protesters were challenging a government contract renewal for the Cobre Panamá open-pit copper mine operated by Canadian firm First Quantum Minerals. The decision marked a significant concession by the administration in an effort to de-escalate nationwide tensions over environmental protection and territorial sovereignty.
AI Summary
Panama announced a freeze on all new mining project approvals following escalating nationwide protests involving Indigenous groups and labor activists.
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