Roadmap for the orderly closure of copper mine

The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) reported that following the formal notification of the ruling of unconstitutionality of Law 406 of the State and Mining Panama concession contract, the order to end operations was sent to the company on December 5 covering extraction, processing, benefit, transportation, export, and marketing, as well as mining activities in general. 

In the statement, they indicate that with this step the transition process for the orderly and safe closure of Cobre Panamá was formally begun, in accordance with what was indicated by the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, and in compliance with the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice.

They add that, the day after notifying the company, the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Jorge Rivera Staff, called the first inter-institutional meeting to evaluate the next steps for the definitive and orderly closure of the mine. 

Regarding the progress of the process, it was announced that in the coming days, the proposed roadmap will be presented to the country that will include the formation of the technical group to prepare the final closure plan. 

They mention that the defense of the State is being coordinated together with the Investment Arbitration Office of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Public Ministry.

The initial coordination by the National Government was carried out by the Minister of Commerce and Industries, the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Labor and Labor Development, the Minister of Security, and their technical teams