Panama's Supreme Court Invalidates Canadian Copper Mine Contract
Panama's Supreme Court has unanimously declared a 20-year concession for a Canadian copper mine unconstitutional, following weeks of protests. The court's decision sparked celebrations among protesters who argued that the mine would damage the environment and threaten water supplies. The president announced that a process to close the mine would begin, while the mine's operator, Minera Panama, expressed its commitment to regulatory compliance. The mine employs thousands and accounts for 3% of Panama's GDP. The contract had been approved in October and allowed the subsidiary to operate the mine for 20 years, with the possibility of extension.