The last available environmental report dates back to 2021, and due to official secrecy and the blocking of access to the mining area, the current situation is unknown. At the Panama Forum Vale más sin Minería, participants called on citizens to remain alert to attempts to reopen the mine under the pretext of saving the Social Security Fund from financial troubles.
The population was urged to defend national sovereignty against the threat of international arbitration by First Quantum Minerals in a Miami court, supported by existing trade treaties. The risk of hazardous substance spills has increased due to the lack of an orderly closure plan for the company.
The delay in conducting an environmental audit in the mining areas and statements in favor of the mine's reactivation have generated criticism. A rigorous treatment of the mining project site and proper management of water in the area are essential due to the high annual rainfall.
The concern focuses on the potential environmental catastrophe that would result from the collapse of the tailings ponds and on the containment wall built with currently scarce materials. The Supreme Court ruling that declared the contract between the government and Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals, unconstitutional is an important milestone.
In the absence of state initiative to conduct an environmental audit of the Cobre Panamá project, CIAM will turn to experts to review the tailings ponds. Jurist Joana Ábrego emphasized the need for specialized maintenance of this facility, which could cause environmental damage in the province of Colón.
