Panama: Panama is Worth More Without Mining Movement rejects metallic mining and the "inadequate management of the Minera Panama case"
"Declaration of “Panama is worth more without mining” regarding the attempt to reopen the Cobre Panama mine", 21 March 2025
...The more than 40 organizations that make up the Panama is Worth More Without Mining Movement (MPVMS for its initials in Spanish) reject metallic mining and the inadequate management of the Minera Panama case, which is once again threatening the rule of law, citizen security, the sustainability of ecosystems and the wellbeing of future generations.
- A government that does defend the interests of the state
The Executive is moving towards a reactivation of the mining project. However, it has failed to comply with and has postponed each of the steps necessary to guarantee the protection of the environment and communities, the defense of the country’s interests, and a safe closure process.
It is inadmissible that 15 months after the Supreme Court decision, the Government has still not carried out environmental audits, approved the Preservation and Safe Management Plan for the site (from January 2024), or completed the sanctioning processes by the Ministry of the Environment in view of the mining company's repeated noncompliance with environmental regulations.
The lack of compliance with environmental regulations and international standards that would help guarantee the physical and chemical stability of the mine poses a serious and imminent danger to the area, the most serious issues being acid drainage and the risk of collapse of the tailings facility.
- A campaign to reopen the mine supported by government authorities
...Phrases repeated by government authorities such as: “the hole is already made” offend national dignity by diminishing and normalizing the seriousness of the damages caused during the operation of the mine and justifying the continuation of these damages...
- Inconsistencies in mine management
Like the past government, the current president is violating the rule of law by ignoring the Supreme Court ruling declaring the contract unconstitutional...
- The fallacy of economic dependency
Assuming that all of the country's economic problems are based on a mine closure is evidence, on the one hand, of manipulation strategies and reiterates the inability of the different administrations to guarantee a productive economy and generate sustainable and inclusive economic activities for the entire population without falling into extractivist manipulations...
- In conclusion,
- We express our support for neighboring communities, and the country as a whole, because we understand the reality of poverty and advocate for just and sustainable solutions that prioritize both people and the environment.
- To the national government, we reiterate the need to respect the rule of law and the judicial system. Attempting actions that go against judicial decisions through manipulation or convenience is a blow to the institutionality of the country and puts at risk the respect for the rights of all citizens, which is the main value that a State must defend.
- We strongly oppose the announcement of negotiations between the government and the mining company, which far from advancing the closure process, have the clear purpose of continuing with mining activity.
- We announce the call to all member organizations of the MPVMSM throughout the country, as well as to all sectors and the general population to maintain a state of maximum alert in the face of the attempt to impose any form of metallic mining.
- From this moment on, we begin a day of national actions in defense of a Panama free from mining.
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