View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022.
Some experts calculate Panama would have to pay at least $50 billion if it loses the case, equivalent to nearly 70% of GDP.
Ahead of the supreme court ruling, S&P revised Panama's outlook to negative from stable on potential risks to investor confidence and economic growth if the contract was found invalid.
For First Quantum, the developments in Panama could be a repeat of its experience in the Democratic Republic Of Congo.
The miner exited the African nation in 2012 after its mining contract was cancelled.
Persons:
Hernan Arboleda, Laurentino Cortizo, Panamanians, Arboleda, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Anthony Esposito, Edwina Gibbs
Organizations:
Minerals, REUTERS, Aris Mart, PANAMA CITY, Reuters, Gross, Panama, JPMorgan, Democratic, Thomson
Locations:
Panama, Donoso, PANAMA, Democratic Republic Of Congo