PANAMA CITY (AP) — Protesters blocked streets across Panama on Monday, demanding the government rescind a contract to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region. Across Panama City, peaceful protesters handed out fliers, but in some areas on the outskirts of the capital police met protesters with tear gas. The government used social media to highlight the “enormous contribution” the mine — Panama's largest private investment ever — makes to the country's economy. Minera Panama says the mine will employ thousands of Panamanians and that its shipments make 80% of the country's total exports. The new contract, initially slowed by labor disagreements, secures Panama at least $375 million a year from Minera Panama, over 10 times more than the previous deal.

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Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Fernando Abrego, ”, Saúl Méndez, Abrego Organizations: PANAMA CITY, —, Department of Education, University of Panama, Minera, Panama's Association of Teachers, Teachers Locations: PANAMA, Panama, Colon, Panama City, Panama's, Minera Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, ”