Suntracs, the labor union responsible for the closure of the Cobre Panama mine, organized a demonstration on Martyrs’ Day to mark the anniversary of the anti-US riots in 1964. This demonstration is indicative of the influence of resource nationalism in the mine’s shutdown. The controversy surrounding the extension of the mine’s operating contract resulted in protests, government withdrawal of support, and a Supreme Court ban just prior to the upcoming general elections.
In light of the demonstration, both the mining company, First Quantum, and an independent union of mine workers have called upon security forces to ensure order at the mine site, where the company still has some employees and facilities.
In addition to the mine-related protests, Suntracs is also conducting demonstrations in the capital city and various provinces of Panama as a response to the closure of union bank accounts. At present, the union has not provided any comment regarding these protests.
The closure of the Cobre Panama mine has had a significant impact on the country’s mining sector and the local economy. It has become a focal point for the debate surrounding the role of resource nationalism in Panama. The protests and demonstrations organized by Suntracs have been instrumental in drawing attention to these issues and have played a decisive role in the mine’s closure.
As the political landscape continues to evolve with the upcoming general elections, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by resource nationalism and the labor unions. The outcomes of these events will undoubtedly have long-lasting implications for the mining industry in Panama.
The source of the article is from the blog tvbzorg.com