First Quantum Minerals has secured approval to export stockpiled copper from its suspended Cobre Panama mine, potentially signaling a step toward negotiations for a restart.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced on Thursday that he had authorized the shipment of accumulated copper concentrate from the mine, which has remained shut since late 2023.
“I have authorized the removal of the material that is just sitting there. It’s being wasted, and Panama has invested significantly in it,” Mulino said. He also emphasized that First Quantum must reimburse Panama once the copper is processed abroad.