Following the suspension of arbitrations by First Quantum Minerals, Panama is moving forward with plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Cobre Panama mining project. The audit, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aims to assess the project's environmental and socioeconomic impact.
The Panamanian government is securing funding for the audit through multilateral organizations. They are also exploring legal avenues to manage the copper concentrate remaining at the mine, emphasizing that this resource belongs to Panama. The government clarifies that no unauthorized visits to the mine have been permitted.
Beyond the mining issue, the article also highlights Panama's efforts to diversify its economy. The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) is focusing on strategies to increase exports, attract foreign investment (particularly from Mercosur countries), and promote Panama as a filming location. These initiatives aim to boost Panama's economy and create job opportunities.