Panama aims to make a decision on Cobre Panama dispute by June

PANAMA CITY, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Panama's government aims to make a decision on the future of Canada-based First Quantum's Cobre Panama copper mine by June, President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday.

The Cobre Panama mine, one of the world's largest open-pit copper deposits, was shuttered in 2023 following protests from local residents over tax contributions and its environmental impact.

"I hope and trust that the process will be completed by mid-year, and I will make the announcement that the country requires," Mulino said at a press conference, adding that he hopes that will be made by June.

Mulino also said that Chilean President-elect Jose Antonio Kast has offered to help by providing support from three mining experts.

The experts would provide technical assistance throughout the dispute's decision-making process, Mulino said.

Cobre Panama formerly provided 1% of the global copper supply, and its closure has had an impact on both Panama's and First Quantum's financial prospects.