Panama’s President Asserts Control Over Copper Mine Ahead of Restart Talks
PANAMA CITY – President Jose Raul Mulino has taken a firm nationalist stance on the future of Panama’s shuttered copper mine, declaring that the asset belongs to the country and any potential reopening will occur under Panamanian terms.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Mulino confirmed that his administration and First Quantum Minerals — the mine’s operator — have begun initial contact to lay the groundwork for formal negotiations.
“That mine belongs to Panama, no one else,” Mulino stated. “If the decision is to restart operations, Panama will do so — with an operator responsible for technical management.”
Mulino faces the challenge of reviving economic growth while managing strong public opposition to mining.
He indicated that any reopening plan would bypass congressional approval to avoid the kind of public backlash that led to the mine’s closure in 2023.
A previous contract renewal, passed by Congress, sparked widespread protests and ultimately halted operations.
“I have the responsibility of managing this with prudence,” Mulino said. “We will proceed based on the economic benefit that the country desperately needs.”
