Background
An international group of 60 civil society organizations released a letter today calling on the Panamanian government to:
- Work with civil society and impacted communities to develop a safe and definitive plan to permanently close the Canadian-owned Cobre Panamá mine.
- Respect the 2023 Panamanian Supreme Court ruling and the mining moratorium, and insist that mining companies respect Panama’s laws.
- Reject any attempts to reopen the mine.
Panama’s President Mulino announced this month that he is convening a panel of experts to consult on the future of the mine.
Mass strikes and protests, Supreme Court decisions, and a nationwide mining moratorium led to the mine’s closure in 2023.
Panama is facing multiple lawsuits through the international Investor State Dispute System from companies demanding that the mine reopen. Companies have only suspended the lawsuits after the President agreed to negotiate with them. These lawsuits total $25 billion. The total national budget for Panama in 2025 was just $30.1 billion.
Read the full letter and list of organizations.
Statement from Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete, Latin America Program Coordinator at MiningWatch Canada
“The suspension of the Cobre Panamá mine was the result of an unprecedented democratic process that included mass citizen mobilization, legal challenges, and a clear ruling from Panama’s Supreme Court. Any discussion about the mine’s future must begin by respecting those decisions.
“Rather than seeking ways to reopen the mine, efforts should focus on ensuring a safe and responsible closure process that addresses the environmental, social, and economic impacts already experienced by affected communities.
“Investor-state lawsuits should not be used to pressure governments into overturning democratic decisions or weakening environmental protections. The people of Panama have the right to determine their own development path.”
Statement from Paulina Personius, International Lead Campaigner at Earthworks
“International arbitration cases, like the ones that Panama is facing, are used around the world to coerce governments into prioritizing corporations over people.
“The people and government of Panama have made it clear that the Cobre Panamá mine must be permanently and safely closed. More analysis is not necessary. It’s time for action.
“This letter from 60 organizations around the globe affirms what we already know — Panama is worth more without mining.”