Cobre Panama, the largest copper mine in Central America, has recently been ranked amongst the top ten largest copper mines in the world in terms of tonnes extracted. This impressive feat is largely attributed to the efforts of its operating company, First Quantum Minerals, who have been in charge of the mine since 2010.
Located in the Donoso district of Panama, Cobre Panama is estimated to contain more than 15 million tonnes of copper ore. This makes it one of the largest copper deposits in the world. First Quantum Minerals has been able to take advantage of this immense resource and has successfully extracted over 3.2 million tonnes of copper since its operations began.
Cobre Panama has become a major driver of growth in Panama’s economy in recent years. The mine has contributed over US$2 billion to the country’s GDP in the past eight years. It has created numerous employment opportunities and is a major source of revenue for the Panamanian government.
Moreover, First Quantum Minerals has employed state-of-the-art technology to ensure that the environment is protected throughout the extraction process. The company has the same safety standards and environmental compliance requirements as major gold mines around the world. They are also committed to the sustainability of the local communities in and around the mine. In fact, they have committed US$100 million to community projects in the last 10 years.
Cobre Panama is a brilliant example of how a company can come together with a local community to extract valuable resources while still protecting and supporting the environment and local people. First Quantum Minerals’ commitment to sustainability has allowed the mine to thrive and become one of the largest copper producers in the world. It is a testament to the power of responsible mining and the positive impact it can have on an economy and a region.
