Fatal Protests Erupt Over Copper Mine Agreement in Panama
Violent clashes erupt in Panama as anti-mining protests escalate, tragically claiming two lives The nation grapples with the ongoing turmoil, as citizens fight against the detrimental impact of the copper mine deal
Two weeks of anti-mining protests in Panama took a tragic turn on Tuesday. According to authorities, a man allegedly shot and killed two demonstrators during the unrest. Disturbing footage captured by bystanders and shared on X (previously known as Twitter) depicted an elderly man in disarray, apparently frustrated with the protest blockade on the Pan American highway, approximately 50 miles south of the capital. The man then brandished a handgun and unleashed gunfire. Following the incident, Panama's National Police apprehended the suspected shooter at the site of the shooting.
The latest episode of violence marks a significant turning point in the massive protests that have engulfed the Central American nation. Comparable in scale to the demonstrations against Manuel Noriega's dictatorship in the 1980s when Panamanians rallied en masse, this unprecedented scene sheds light on the growing discontent.
For several weeks, a multitude of protesters, numbering in tens of thousands, have been vehemently expressing their anger over a contentious mining agreement granted to Minera Panama, a subsidiary of a Canadian mining corporation. The agreement allows for the extraction of copper, a crucial element in the production of electric vehicle batteries.
Canadas First Quantum Minerals has been granted a contract to recommence operations at an open-pit copper mine encircled by rainforest, enabling them to operate for the next two decades. There is also the potential to extend this period for an additional 20 years. Critics, particularly environmentalists, express concerns over potential contamination of drinking water and the devastating impact on the expansive 32,000 acres that the company has secured usage rights for, in return for annual payments of $375 million.
Panama's government has assured that the mine will generate thousands of job opportunities and significant revenue, addressing the pressing needs of the nation. Unfortunately, First Quantum Minerals did not provide any response to CNN's request for comment regarding the ongoing protests.
On November 8, 2023, in Panama City, teachers took to the streets in a march to express their discontent and protest the deaths of two individuals during a demonstration against the government's contract with Canadian mining company First Quantum and its subsidiary, Minera Panama.
A march against the government contract with Canadian mining company First Quantum and its subsidiary Minera Panama in Panama City on November 3, 2023.
Roberto Cisneros/AFP/Getty Images
Panamanians are suffering
Environmentalists, indigenous groups, teachers, and construction unions have come together in opposition to the mine. They perceive the alleged backroom dealings between the government and the mining company as additional proof of widespread official corruption. The protestors blame the government for selling off the country's natural resources, while many Panamanians are grappling with the effects of rising inflation and climate change.
"Panamanians are experiencing water scarcity, enduring severe droughts primarily in the central provinces. This results in the loss of animal life and failed harvests," stated environmental activist Martita Cornejo during an interview with CNN en Español.
"The government failed to anticipate the strong opposition within Panamanian society against a mining agreement."
Former US ambassador to Panama, John Feeley, pointed out that although there is indeed genuine outrage surrounding the new contract announcement, some groups are exploiting the situation to leverage their own interests and secure favorable agreements from the government. Feeley emphasized that in Panama, even when protesting against corruption, individuals inadvertently contribute to its perpetuation.
Protesters have set up roadblocks, causing a shutdown of the country and disrupting the transportation of crops to market, as well as confining Panamanians to their homes. The association of company executives in Panama estimates that this standstill is causing local businesses to lose $80 million per day. Furthermore, celebrations to commemorate Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903 were largely cancelled last week. Despite the backlash, President Laurentino Cortizo maintains his support for the mining deal, stating that it will lead to job creation and increased revenue for Panama.
The mine has served as a unique economic opportunity for Panama, as the tourism industry struggles to bounce back from the pandemic and the drought has resulted in decreased activity through the Panama Canal. This reduction in traffic is anticipated to lead to a loss of revenue amounting to $200 million in 2024.
"We made the correct choice, despite the challenges," stated Cortizo. "Following a lengthy and intricate negotiation spanning over two years, a contract was finalized in 2023 between Minera Panama and the Panamanian State. This agreement ensures significantly improved terms and conditions for the country."
However, despite the prolonged protests, the Panamanian government's concessions have had minimal impact in resolving the crisis. In a recent development, the congress passed a moratorium on all forthcoming metal mining activities, and President Cortizo proposed a nation-wide referendum scheduled for December to address concerns regarding the contentious project. Furthermore, in 2017, the Supreme Court of Panama ruled another contract for the copper mine operation as unconstitutional, resulting in the need for renegotiation between the mining company and the government.
Opponents are expressing optimism that the current examination of the contract's legality by Panama's Supreme Court may potentially thwart the deal once more. Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome, it might be too tardy to restore Panama's reputation as a remarkable stronghold of political and economic stability within the region, considering the harm already inflicted.
