Panama president proposes referendum on controversial copper mine

On Sunday, Panama President Laurentino Cortizo proposed a referendum to decide whether to repeal a controversial mining contract. The protests broke out, when Congress approved the law that allows First Quantum Minerals to operate the mine for 20 years, with the option to extend for another two decades.
Thousands of protesters have marched to demand that the contract, concerning the largest copper mine in Central America, be repealed. In response to the unrest, Cortizo had already on Friday announced a ban on new metal mining concessions.
The vote to repeal or keep the First Quantum contract would be held on December 17. "Through citizen participation, through voting, we will be able to legitimize the will of the people, the result of which will be mandatory," Cortizo said. He also announced that the government will request a law that prohibits "metallic mining at the national level”.