John,

Panama’s largest and dirtiest copper mine is about to be expanded.

The mine’s Canadian operator First Quantum Minerals (FQM) thought it was a done deal, but after massive protests, Panama’s government has just pulled out. This is our chance to bury the deal for good! 

FQM wants to build ports and power plants to extract more copper – and the government is more than keen to cash in the promised extra royalties. But in reality, the deal would make only FQM richer and more powerful while continuing to wreak havoc on the environment, water supplies, and local Indigenous communities, for decades to come.

The people of Panama have taken to the streets, opposing the deal with all they’ve got – and the government just pulled out to legal-proof the contract. This is our chance: If we keep up the pressure and make sure the world notices FQM’s horrific plans, we can stop the deadly deal.

First Quantum Minerals: No expansion or extension of the Cobre Panamá mine

This deal is a classic tale of modern-day colonialism: Panama’s government receives a tiny fraction of FQM’s massive profits – all while the mine will continue damaging communities, forests and water supplies instead of benefiting the people. Even the Panama Canal, the country’s lifeline, is at risk – just so big corporations can produce more electrical wirings at a lower cost.

But a coalition of workers, indigenous communities, and unions in Panama have taken to the streets and are not backing down: They consider the contract unconstitutional, due to the lack of environmental and community impact studies. They are even ready to sue the government for treason against the Nation!

FQM is hoping that things will calm down and the deal just needs minor changes, but we won’t let that happen. If we make sure the story gets out into the world, the mining giant will have to look hard for excuses for not backing out of this deadly deal.

First Quantum Minerals: No expansion or extension of the Cobre Panamá mine

Ekō members like you have helped win against giant corporations trying to destroy Latin America ecosystems. For the last 9 years, more than 200,000 Ekō members have taken action to support Máxima Acuna, an Indigenous Peruvian farmer, to keep her land safe from the world's second biggest gold mining company. And because of your support, the mine has yet to be built and she has kept her land.

We can win against mining companies in Panama too, but only if we take action now.