Our Dreams Were Taken Away From Us Overnight with the Mine Closure

The sudden cessation of the mining project, in addition to paralyzing the local economy, abruptly changed the lives of thousands of people, including Vianka Vargas, a young woman whose dreams were dashed after Minera Panamá’s operations were halted.  Before the mine arrived in the province of Colón, Vargas worked in the countryside, primarily planting and harvesting coffee, farming, and raising livestock. These activities helped her survive but didn’t provide enough resources to own land, a home, or provide a better future for her daughter and parents. However, when she landed a job at the company, all of this changed.  “With my job at Minera Panamá, those dreams began to come true. I found stability, financial independence, and the opportunity to grow professionally, “she said in a news interview. 

She mentioned that being part of this project has also “empowered” her because the company gave her the confidence to work in positions typically held by men, allowing her to demonstrate that women can fulfill any role they choose.  “As a woman, it taught me to trust my abilities and take on important responsibilities. As a young woman, it gave me experience and the opportunity to grow personally. As a worker, it allowed me to learn a valuable trade and contribute financially to my family.  And as a mother, it gave me the satisfaction of being able to provide my daughter with a better future, showing her that with effort and dedication, many dreams can be achieved,” she said.  Vargas described the company’s trust in women and their potential as positive, as these actions promote gender equality and inspire new generations to dream big and not be afraid.

However, the closure of the project has prevented her from continuing this work.  She noted that this decision has been “very difficult” for the communities because it’s like taking a step backward after having made so much progress, as they have not only lost their jobs, but also their dreams and opportunities.  “This affected us so emotionally because that dream was taken away from us overnight,” she said.  She explained that with the closure, the economy ground to a halt, many businesses stalled, students who dreamed of continuing their studies had to halt their studies, and many projects were lost. It was a blow felt in every home in the Coclesito community.  The young woman reiterated that her position on the mine is firm and clear: she supports its reopening because it’s not just about jobs, but about economic revitalization for the communities, more opportunities, and development so that those who live in remote areas can once again sell their products, and those closest to the project can regain their stability and hope for a better future.

People benefited from Vianka’s work at Minera Panamá: Her Daughter, Mother, and Father.  The copper mine has been inactive for months following the Supreme Court ruling.