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Panama president-elect dismiss Very first Quantum talks up until arbitration dropped

Panama's presidentelect has ruled out talks with Canadian miner Very first Quantum Minerals till it drops numerous arbitration procedures it has introduced looking for billions of dollars in settlement from the federal government over a mine shutdown order.

President-elect Jose Raul Mulino discussed his prepare for the significant copper mine, when accountable for some 5% of Panama's. economic activity and some 40% of First Quantum's income, in an. interview with regional news radio program Panama en Directo on. Thursday.

To think about discussing mining, those arbitrations require. to be suspended, Mulino said, worrying the government's. preeminent role in any mining task that operates in Panama's. territory.

Don't forget that the owner of that concession is the. state, he stated.

The president-elect noted that any option for the. challenged mine will not include a brand-new concession contract, though. he signified some flexibility to perhaps permit the task to. momentarily reopen in an effort to lower its supreme closure. costs.

First Quantum did not right away respond to a request for. comment on Mulino's remarks, though the miner stated previously this. week it is anticipating talks with his administration to. discover a service to the disputed open pit Cobre Panama mine.

The outgoing government of President Laurentino Cortizo had. ordered the closure of Cobre Panama last year following a court. ruling that voided the miner's contract, amidst extensive. national protests for more environmental safeguards and. transparency.