On October 29, President Laurentino Cortizo announced a public referendum, yet Panamanians continue to call for the termination of a Canadian mining agreement.
On October 30, protests continued for the eighth straight day against Minera Panama, a subsidiary of Canada’s First Quantum Minerals.
Local media and videos show clashes between police and protesters nationwide. In Panama City, thousands marched. They blocked key roads and highways.
Activists argue the mining law is unconstitutional. They also claim it threatens Panama’s sovereignty and the Donoso forest’s ecosystem.
Despite President Cortizo’s attempts to calm tensions with a public vote planned for December 17, protests remain strong.
Mientras tanto… en las calles de Panamá 🇵🇦 sigue el descontento a nivel nacional y las protestas no van a parar. #patria #fiestaspatrias pic.twitter.com/fP3pNekDSx
— Terri Thrush (@territhrush) October 31, 2023
Earlier, Cortizo signed a decree banning new mining projects. Yet, this didn’t include the already-approved First Quantum Minerals contract.
Therefore, citizens and activists continue to protest. They aim to cancel this contract, first agreed upon in 1991, representing 1.5% of global copper production.
Background
The protests are part of a growing trend of environmental and indigenous activism in Latin America.
In Panama, mining has always been a contentious issue. This is not the first time citizens have raised concerns over foreign companies exploiting local resources.
Mining has significant environmental impacts, which is especially concerning for a biodiverse country like Panama.
First Quantum Minerals is a major global player in copper production. Its involvement adds an international layer to these national protests.
The upcoming referendum puts pressure on both the Panamanian government and the Canadian company.
Depending on its outcome, this could either strengthen or weaken foreign mining investments in Panama.