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First Quantum hopes new Panamanian leader brings fresh appearance to disputed copper mine

First Quantum Minerals said on Monday it is anticipating talks with Panama's brand-new government to discover a resolution to the Canadian company's. contested Cobre Panama mine.

Panama on Sunday chose Jose Raul Mulino as its brand-new. president.

Analysts see the election result as a favorable advancement. for the Cobre Panama mine, which accounts for about 1% of global. copper output. Panama's outbound government bought the mine. closed down last year after public demonstrations over ecological. damage from mining in the Central American country.

Mulino won the election with 34% of the vote, in a campaign. mostly fixated his former employer, ex-President Ricardo. Martinelli, who had strong popular support, however was disallowed from. running in March due to a money laundering conviction.

While most of the other competitors for the presidency. took a hard-line position versus mining, Mulino revealed a less. conflicted method.

We eagerly anticipate a discussion with the brand-new administration. and to interacting once it takes office to find a. resolution that is in the very best interests of Panama, a First. Quantum spokesperson said in an emailed declaration.

Analysts are waiting to see what policy changes the brand-new. government will implement when it takes power in July.

Mulino is considered as pro-business and has actually been. supportive of mining in the past; nevertheless, like all the. candidates, he took care with remarks about mining in the. election project, RBC Capital Markets stated in a research note.

However there is still uncertainty around the Cobre Panama. mine, with work to be done to enhance public sentiment towards. mining and settlements with the new government before. contemplating a re-start, the report added.

Even if Mulino chooses to take a different approach to. mining, hurdles stay in the Panamanian Congress, where no. party secured a bulk. The group with the most seats is. comprised of independent lawmakers, with much of them having. took part and motivated anti-mining demonstrations in 2015.

Investment banking firm BancTrust & & Co stated the current. political situation in Panama could make it hard to revive. the mining contract at least in the short-term.

Very first Quantum shares quit early gains and were down 0.9%. in midday trading. The stock is down about 50% from a 52-week. high.