Business associations demand mining code review

Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (Cciap)  has called on the Government to review the Mining Code.

“We immediately have to review the Mining Code and no approval of any additional mining project can be made until a due review of the Mining Code is carried out,” said Adolfo Fábrega, president of the Cciap, at a Monday press conference.

According to Fábrega with a Mining Code, it will be possible to know with “long lights” where the country wants to go with its mining activity, taking into account that several groups have expressed their opposition to the contract.

“We have to create an independent dialogue about what we are going to do with mining in Panama,” said the businessman, who believes that another aspect that the Government must do in the midst of protests that occur due to the rejection of the mining contract is to carry out carry out due supervision in mining activity. “In this way we will achieve responsible mining in that area (Donoso), which in the end is what we are all looking for,” said Fábrega.

With these statements, the Cciap joins the position of the National College of Private Enterprise (Conep), which two days ago also stated that the issue of the mining contract must be resolved immediately with the task of developing a new Mining Code.

“Justice must be expeditious. This is essential so that it is understood that legal security is respected,” said a Conep statement.

The president of the Cciap said they had their reservations with the contract with Minera Panamá, and recognized that there are people who feel the same. However, these disagreements must be communicated in a way that does not impact the economy with protests that generate violence and damage to citizens.

“What we are looking for now is to be able to reactivate the economy and move forward with due oversight of the mining operation, which is what should begin. However, the Government has to continue listening to the population,” Fábrega stressed.

Meanwhile, Conep rejects the closure of streets as a method of protest, practices produce irreversible damage to the country’s productivity, mainly to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, also affecting third parties who, have the right to exercise free movement.