Echoes of ecocide: Panama’s struggle against mining and inequality
This guest blog is part of a series intended as a dedicated space for the many global movements/campaigns around the globe confronting ecosystem destruction to share their stories, narratives and perspectives.
This guest blog was written by Panamanian student activists, Sofia Ramirez Vakratsas and Andreina Correa Quiros.
Echoes of Ecocide: Panama’s Struggle Against Mining and Inequality
On October 20th, Nito Cortizo´s government signed a contract granting First Quantum, a Canadian based mining company, a 20-year mining right over Panama ́s rainforests to mine copper and molybdenum. These are minerals used for the Global North's sustainable energy transition, but what are the consequences on the environment and communities of the global south? And is this really part of a Just Transition to a sustainable future?
The signing of this contract is unconstitutional. Biodiversity and humanity are directly threatened as over 12,000 hectares of rainforest are handed to foreign powers. While Panama is receiving 375 million dollars in annual revenue, only 15% of First Quantum´s total profits, the consequences of mining are devastating.
Minera Panama = Ecocide.
Panama's topography, characterized by its narrow, megadiverse territory with over 500 rivers, makes it exceptionally vulnerable to the environmental and social consequences of industrial mining.
Minera Panama is First Quantum's Project in the province of Colón. This is in the Donoso Protected Area, where more than 1,000 endangered species reside. Panama, being part of the largest biological corridor of Mesoamerica, is of critical significance to the region's biodiversity. If this is interrupted, there will be ecological consequences for the whole American continent.
Although the government is bound by law to safeguard this area and its wildlife, Presiden Cortizo publicly stated that the contract has been signed and will prevail. What we are witnessing is nothing short of ecocide, irreversible widespread land destruction and the murder of our home.
The extraction of copper increases toxicity in air, land and water. Ecosystems are at stake, and as water access is being jeopardized, Panamanian families in rural areas are already living through the repercussions of mining. Some children have become intoxicated from consuming polluted water, and respiratory and immune diseases in adults have been linked to living near the mines.
Deforestation resulting from the construction of the mining project and associated access roads. Photo courtesy of CIAM.
Civic Response
Although Panamanians have widely expressed discontentment throughout Cortizo´s presidency, this decision has caused outrage. What began as groups of a few dozen protestors summoned through social media by youth organizations as Sal de Las Redes, as Sin Mineria in response to environmental concerns, grew into massive protests with more than a hundred thousand civilians at an international level.
Acts of civil disobedience were set off by the renewal of the mining contract, but they represent larger attitudes against government corruption, inequality, and neocolonialism. These massive demonstrations were not seen since Panama´s 1987 Civilist Crusade against General Noriega´a Dictator Regime. As the contract has the option to extend this grant for another 20 years, civilian action continues as it represents the country's history of colonial exploitation. Consequenting in the rebirth of Panamanian nationalism, and raising the question if Panama has ever really been a sovereign state.
Just Transition
Just Transition is the concept that the world's switch into a net-zero future must be inclusive and fair to all countries, social groups, and communities. To transition into clean energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric cars, there are critical minerals that are needed. These critical materials include copper and molybdenum. These minerals are acquired through mining operations taking place in vulnerable nations such as Panama.
In the global north’s well intended approach to a clean energy transition, nations in the global south are being affected negatively. As mining is at the core of the energy transition, we must address this challenge. Mining, often driven by multinational corporations from powerful countries, exploits the resources of less economically developed nations. Mirroring the exploitative patterns of green colonialism and creating a cycle of exploitation and economic dependency.
As resources are extracted from our lands, entities like First Quantum amass wealth, leaving behind a trail of environmental degradation and social issues. Paradoxically, these actions are carried out under the belief that they contribute to a global good. Addressing this challenge is paramount in ensuring that the clean energy transition is truly just and benefits all, rather than perpetuating inequality and harm.
Supreme Court declares mining contract unconstitutional
NGOs, supported by academics, submitted a demand to the Supreme Court against the contract with First Quantum. Citizens have been keeping watch outside the courthouse for days. On November 28, the Court declared the contract unconstitutional. This ruling is a remarkable example of citizen action and holds significant importance for the secret arbitration procedure initiated by First Quantum against the Panamanian government. In this procedure, the company is seeking compensation for the suspension of the contract.
Call to Action
Although our path as change makers and activists has just begun, we believe change comes from speaking truth to power. As two young Panamanians, we invite other young individuals to question rules, and authorities to genuinely incite change. Find your why, ask yourself what do you fight for? and why does it matter?
Raising awareness about mining and resource exploitation in Panama doesn't immediately fix this issue, but it is a big step that holds big companies accountable for the environmental and social issues they are causing. Consequently, taking action by joining protests and demonstrations, posting on social media, and starting with smaller scale projects within communities aid your steps to become an activist.
We are young, passionate and driven by the goal of equality. We strongly encourage everyone to learn, speak up, and support actions to stop ecocide in order to promote a sustainable, just future.
Works Cited:
Ciencia en Panamá - Popularizamos la Ciencia y la Tecnología en Panamá, https://www.cienciaenpanama.org/. Accessed 18 November 2023.
Stop Ecocide International, https://www.stopecocide.earth/. Accessed 18 November 2023.
Hilaire, Valentine, and Divya Rajagopal. “Miner First Quantum faces rocky road as Panama protesters dig in.” Reuters, 2 November 2023, https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/miner-first-quantum-faces-rocky-road-panama-protesters-dig-2023-11-01/. Accessed 18 November 2023.
“Mineral requirements for clean energy transitions – The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions – Analysis - IEA.” International Energy Agency, https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/mineral-requirements-for-clean-energy-transitions. Accessed 18 November 2023.
“Minera Panamá Operations Pose Severe Threat to People, Wildlife, and Planetary Health, Group of International and Local Organizations Say.” American Bird Conservancy, 17 November 2023, https://abcbirds.org/news/panama-mining-2023/. Accessed 18 November 2023.
Mojica, Bienvenido, and Erick Santos. “RATIFICAN CONTRATO CON MINERA PANAMÁ S.A.” Asamblea Nacional de Panamá, 20 October 2023, https://www.asamblea.gob.pa/noticias/ratifican-contrato-con-minera-panama-sa. Accessed 18 November 2023.