Current:Home > ContactPanama’s congress backtracks to preserve controversial Canadian mining contract-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Panama’s congress backtracks to preserve controversial Canadian mining contract
lotradecoin versus coinbase exchange View Date:2024-12-26 05:30:03
PANAMA CITY (AP) — An indefinite moratorium on new mining activities passed a second vote in Panama’s National Assembly Thursday. One article was removed, however, that would have revoked a controversial mining contract which had sparked nationwide protests over the past two weeks.
The bill had already passed a second debate on Wednesday while it still included an article revoking the government’s contract with Minera Panama, a local subsidiary of Canadian mining company First Quantum.
Lawmakers reversed that decision Thursday, sending the bill back to a second debate and stripping the article specifically related to the Minera Panama contract.
Some lawyers welcomed the decision, warning that revoking the contract with a new bill could have left the government open to multi-million dollar legal liabilities. Experts said those could be avoided if the country’s Supreme Court rules the original contract was unconstitutional in any one of eight such cases brought against the deal so far.
The moratorium bill now awaits a third and final debate, in which no further changes can be made, then the final approval of President Laurentino Cortizo. Technically the Assembly went on recess earlier this week, so Cortizo is expected to call for another day of extraordinary session for the debate. Another bill also awaits debate, which would put the contract to a popular referendum.
Cortizo initially gave his final approval to the contract on October 20. It allows Minera Panama to continue operating an open pit copper mine in the state of Colon for 20 years, with the possibility of the company extending it another 20 years. Environmentalists argue the mine threatens to destroy more of the dense jungle surrounding it and imperils local drinking water.
Protests continued across the country Thursday, drawing supporters from Indigenous groups and unions across the education, construction and medical sectors.
veryGood! (37)
Related
- State, local officials failed 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl who died after abuse, lawsuits say
- Concussion protocols are based on research of mostly men. What about women?
- In close races, Republicans attack Democrats over fentanyl and the overdose crisis
- Metalloproteins? Breakthrough Could Speed Algae-Based Fuel Research
- Horoscopes Today, August 14, 2024
- What we know about Ajike AJ Owens, the Florida mom fatally shot through a neighbor's door
- Why pediatricians are worried about the end of the federal COVID emergency
- Schools are closed and games are postponed. Here's what's affected by the wildfire smoke – and when they may resume
- Rob Schneider seeks forgiveness from daughter Elle King after 'fat camp' claims
- Why did he suspect a COVID surge was coming? He followed the digital breadcrumbs
Ranking
- Giants trading Jordan Phillips to Cowboys in rare deal between NFC East rivals
- Jessica Simpson Shares Dad Joe’s Bone Cancer Diagnosis
- Health department medical detectives find 84% of U.S. maternal deaths are preventable
- At 18 weeks pregnant, she faced an immense decision with just days to make it
- Big Georgia county to start charging some costs to people who challenge the eligibility of voters
- High up in the mountains, goats and sheep faced off over salt. Guess who won
- Emma Chamberlain Shares Her Favorite On-The-Go Essential for Under $3
- Anti-Eminent Domain but Pro-Pipelines: A Republican Conundrum
Recommendation
-
Andrew Shue's Sister Elisabeth Shares Rare Update on His Life Amid Marilee Fiebig Romance
-
The story of two bird-saving brothers in India gets an Oscar nom, an HBO premiere
-
Christian McCaffrey's Birthday Tribute to Fiancée Olivia Culpo Is a Complete Touchdown
-
Is Oklahoma’s New Earthquake-Reduction Plan Enough to Stop the Shaking?
-
Wisconsin’s Evers urges federal judge not to make changes at youth prison in wake of counselor death
-
IRS sends bills to taxpayers with the wrong due date for some
-
Sum 41 Announces Band's Breakup After 27 Years Together
-
Suburbs delivered recent wins for Georgia Democrats. This year, they're up for grabs