The Cobre Panamá Mining Operation is Growing in Public Interest

Panamanians’ interest in mining activity has grown exponentially in the last two years, leading thousands of citizens to seek direct, in-person information about the operation and benefits of the Cobre Panamá project, beyond the content available on the internet.  According to data provided by the company, more than 18,000 people visited the Cobre Panamá information booths set up during the Flower and Coffee Fair in Boquete, Chiriquí province, and the Parade of a Thousand Pollera Dresses, held in Las Tablas, Los Santos province, with the aim of clarifying doubts and verifying the viability of sustainable mining in Panama. 

Citizen Consultations and Immersive Experience

The company detailed that, in the Azuero region, public inquiries focused on topics such as university internships, location of the mining project, materials handling, workforce composition, and the economic impact of the project on the country.  These concerns were addressed by former mine workers, who guided more than 500 visitors through an interactive container, offering an immersive experience that allowed them to learn, through digital technology, about the operation of the project and its relevance to the local economy. 

Community Dialogue and Transparency

Cobre Panamá’s public relations manager, Maru Gálvez, emphasized that these spaces for dialogue are fundamental for communities to form an opinion based on technical and verifiable information about the mining industry.  “These spaces allow us to meet face-to-face with people, listen to their concerns, and respond transparently. Direct dialogue with communities is key to building trust,” Gálvez stated.  In the western region, the company addressed the inquiries of 18,887 citizens, mainly related to the management of water resources in the mine and its environmental impact, reiterating its commitment to an open dialogue based on real data.

Economic Impact of the Mining Project

Cobre Panamá indicated that the objective of these participations is to maintain open channels of information, promote educational, close and transparent communication, and strengthen the direct relationship with the citizens.  This strategy has been well received by the population, reflected in a sustained increase in visitors to its news outlets and a decrease in opposition to the project.  The copper mine in Donoso, Colón province, represented approximately 5% of Panama’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is equivalent to more than 4.6 billion dollars annually, in addition to 7,000 direct jobs and more than 40,000 indirect jobs, figures that, to date, have not been matched by any other industry, deepening the local economic impact after its shutdown.

Anticipation for Official Decision

Given this scenario, former mine workers and residents of nearby communities asked the authorities to consider these factors when defining the future of the project , a decision that will be announced in June , once the comprehensive audit is completed.