Mining activity could impact availability of water in the Canal

A number of significant challenges have arisen, threatening the smooth operation of the Panama Canal says Ricaurte Vásquez Morales the Canal Administrator.

One of them is ensuring a constant supply of water, which has intensified to alarming dimensions due to the current El Niño Phenomenon that is plaguing the country. This climatic phenomenon has aggravated the scarcity of water, causing this situation to be at a critical level.

Regarding the issue of mining, Ricaurte Vásquez expressed that, theoretically, a well-managed mining activity with strict environmental standards could be feasible. However, he stressed that mining activity will have an impact on the availability of water from the Panama Canal

In response to the water crisis, the administrator indicated that an action plan has been outlined. With a view to the year 2024, a budget has been established that anticipates a reduced flow of maritime traffic compared to current levels. This forecast is based on the expectation that dry conditions will persist in the near horizon.

“The El Niño Phenomenon will continue to be significant and we must take this reality into consideration. We have been transparent in addressing this problem when presenting our budget to the Executive Branch. And the proposal has already been approved by our board of directors” declared Vásquez Morales.

According to the administrators, the entity delivered a series of studies that were contracted by the Ministry of Environment for the Panama Canal with the aim of exploring alternative solutions to address water scarcity. These investigations have considered various water alternatives, including the Río Indio, the Río Bayano, and the sources in the Arco Seco, including the Río Santamaría in La Villa.