Panama to hold referendum on First Quantum mine

After days of protests, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo said the country would hold a referendum to decide whether to scrap a contract with First Quantum’s local subsidiary Minera Panama, reported Reuters. The vote will take place December 17 and its result will be binding.  The news agency said Panama’s government and Minera Panama agreed on a contract which would guarantee…

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First Quantum, Utramipa reach deal, avoid strike

First Quantum Minerals’ Minera Panama and the workers union Utramipa reached an agreement to avoid a planned strike at its Cobre Panama copper mine, reported Reuters.  The news agency said Utramipa had threatened to stop work alleging an impasse in negotiation with the directors of Minera Panama over profit sharing and wage increases. Minera Panama confirmed in a September 9…

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