Panama City, October 27 (RHC)-- In Panama, nationwide Indigenous-led protests and blockades intensified this week, demanding the government reverse its approval of a 20-year contract for a foreign-owned open-pit copper mine.
Police fired tear gas at demonstrators, who say the mine will poison fresh water sources. They also cited corruption allegations against lawmakers. Dozens have been arrested.
Opponents say the new contract for the Cobre Panamá mine was fast-tracked with little public input or transparency. The mine is the largest in Central America. It’s owned by Canada’s First Quantum Minerals.
