Panama's Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling on Tuesday, declaring the 20-year concession for a Canadian copper mine to be unconstitutional. The mine, known as Cobre Panama, has faced widespread environmental protests, with opponents raising concerns about its potential damage to a forested coastal area and the threat it poses to water supplies. Following the court's decision, Panama's President, Laurentino Cortizo, announced that the process to close the mine would begin.

The Supreme Court's decision, reached after four days of deliberations, was met with jubilation from a crowd of demonstrators waiting outside the court, waving their Panamanian flags. Many expressed relief and satisfaction, highlighting their anticipation for this moment. Raisa Banfield, one of the demonstrators, expressed her relief, stating, "This is what we had been waiting for. The president has to suspend mine operations today."

In response to the court's ruling, Minera Panama, the local subsidiary of Canada's First Quantum Minerals, the company responsible for operating the mine, acknowledged the decision in a statement. They reaffirmed their commitment to regulatory compliance in all aspects of their operations within the country. The company also noted that they would provide further comments once additional details regarding the ruling became public.

During his nationwide address, President Cortizo assured the Panamanian public that as soon as his administration formally receives the court's decision, it will be published in the official gazette. He emphasized that this would initiate an orderly and safe closure process for the mine. The president's statement indicates a clear commitment to adhering to the Supreme Court's ruling.

The closure of the Cobre Panama mine marks a significant milestone in the efforts to address environmental concerns and protect Panama's natural resources. The decision underscores the importance of legal and regulatory mechanisms in safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable development. As the closure process commences, it will be crucial to monitor the implementation of adequate measures to mitigate any potential environmental impact.

Panama's Supreme Court ruling against the Canadian copper mine concession serves as a reminder that the preservation of natural resources must be prioritized, even in the face of economic interests. The decision has been met with both praise and anticipation as Panama takes another step towards a more sustainable future.