Canadian-based miner First Quantum warns it may be forced to shut down its 90%-owned Cobre Panama mine over its escalating fight against government demands it pay higher revenue.
First Quantum says the Panama Maritime Authority halted concentrate loading at the Punta Rincon port after ordering a change from internationally accepted weighing system certification processes. With limited storage capacity at the port, it says mining may have to halt by mid-Feb.
Panama’s campaign has previously included attempts to block copper exports and orders seeking to force the mine on care and maintenance.
First Quantum says it remains ready to conclude a reasonable long-term agreement.