FQM Suspends Public Tours of Panama Copper Mine Amid Govt Pressure
First Quantum Minerals announced on Thursday that it will halt public tours of its shuttered copper mine in Panama following concerns raised by President José Raúl Mulino that the company should not create the impression that the site remains operational.
Speaking at a press conference earlier that day, Mulino clarified that no discussions had taken place with First Quantum regarding the mine’s future.
The Panamanian government ordered its closure in late 2023 after widespread public protests over environmental concerns.
“I don’t want them to give the impression that the mine is operating,” Mulino stated.
First Quantum’s Response
First Quantum’s local subsidiary, Cobre Panamá, reacted several hours later in a social media post:
“We have heard the statements from the national government and have decided to suspend the public visit program to the mine.”
When asked whether he would consider signing a new contract with First Quantum, Mulino remained noncommittal, stating:
“Everything will be studied, but right now we don’t have anyone to study it with. We hope to cross that bridge when we come to it.”
He also emphasized that First Quantum must first withdraw its arbitration case before any discussions can take place. Key issues, such as the export of 120,000 metric tons of copper concentrate currently stranded at the site, remain unresolved.
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