View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022.
REUTERS/Aris Martínez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies First Quantum Minerals Ltd FollowPANAMA CITY, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Police arrested nearly 50 protesters in Panama in confrontations over a new government-approved contract for a major copper mine, officials said on Tuesday, adding that five police officers were injured in the clashes.
Last week, lawmakers gave final approval for the extended concession covering the Cobre Panama mine operated by Canada's First Quantum (FM.TO).
Some locals and civic organizations have opposed the contract due largely to concerns about the mine's environmental impact.
The police noted two officers were wounded by gunshots on Monday night in Panama City, while three others where beaten in a street blockade in Chiriqui.
Persons:
Laurentino Cortizo, Elida Moreno, Sarah Morland, David Alire Garcia, Rod Nickel
Organizations:
Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Quantum Minerals, PANAMA CITY, Police, Pan, Thomson
Locations:
Panama, Donoso, Colon, Chiriqui, Central America, Panama City