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Panama

Franco Nevada releases Cobre Panama arbitration update
20-Jun-2025 Resource World
Following an engagement with the government of Panama’s legal counsel, Franco Nevada said it has agreed to suspend its arbitration proceeding.
Calling on First Quantum Minerals to definitely and safely close its Cobre Panama mine
13-Jun-2025 Mining Watch
101 organizations are calling on First Quantum Minerals to close its Cobre Panama mine, drop the international arbitration against Panama, and implement environmental remediation at the mine site.
Guatemala found liable for not protecting hydroelectric project from violent protests
26-May-2025 Herbert Smith Freehills
Earlier this year, a split ICSID Tribunal found Guatemala liable to pay USD 68.5 million in damages plus interest to Panamanian company Energia y Renovación Holding.
First Quantum to discontinue two Cobre Panama arbitration proceedings
2-Apr-2025 Reuters
First Quantum Minerals said it had agreed to discontinue two arbitration proceedings related to its Cobre Panama copper mine.
Investment treaties: Protecting transition investments, but are they just?
1-Apr-2025 Business Human Rights Journal
The urgent demand for critical minerals has led to the expansion of mining operations, often accompanied by significant human rights and environmental abuses that cause social unrest and spark disputes between states and foreign investors.
Panama agrees $26m payment to settle dispute with US miner
28-Nov-2024 Mining.com
Panama has agreed to pay $26 million to settle a dispute with Dominion Mineral Corp. after losing an arbitration award in 2020 over the US mining company’s copper-gold exploration licences.
Panama’s reckless gamble with foreign investments
17-Jul-2024 bnamericas
Panama faces arbitration claims arising out of recent measures affecting foreign-owned investments in mining and other sectors, which are worth substantially more than half of its GDP.
Orla Mining files US$400 million arbitration request in Panama
5-Jul-2024 Resource World
Orla Mining Ltd. has filed a request for arbitration against the Government of Panama under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement regarding the cancellation of the Cerro Quema mining concession in late 2023.
Panama update
21-Mar-2024 Orla Mining
Orla Mining is exploring all legal remedies available to protect its investments in respect of the Cerro Quema Project. The company intends file a notice of intent to arbitrate under the Panama-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
First Quantum Seeks $20 Billion From Panama in Free Trade Case
21-Feb-2024 Yahoo Finance
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is seeking $20 billion from Panama in a free trade arbitration case after the Central American nation shut down the company’s flagship copper mine late last year.
What happens when a country says ‘no’ to mining?
9-Jan-2024 Canada’s National Observer
The battle between a Canadian mining company and Panama over one of the richest copper-gold mines in the Americas is headed to international arbitration – exposing Canada’s double standard when it comes to promoting free trade in the Global South.
Panama sued by 3+ mining companies after supreme court rules mining contract unconstitutional
9-Jan-2024 AFTINET
Panama is facing at least three Investor-State Dispute Settlement cases from mining investors who claim that their investments have been affected by the decision.
First Quantum warns of arbitration as Panama weighs copper contract
27-Nov-2023 Reuters
Canada’s First Quantum intends to start arbitration against Panama, the Central American nation’s trade ministry and the company said, as Panama’s top court considers annulling a copper contract that opponents call unfair.
Why this Canadian-owned copper mine is facing fierce opposition in Panama​​
30-Oct-2023 Corporate Knights
First Quantum notified the government of its intent to initiate arbitration under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement in 2022, during the contract’s negotiation process.
Panama plays US off against China in FTA talks, but has limited hand
20-Oct-2022 Dialogo Chino
Panama’s decision to restart negotiations towards a free trade agreement with China appear to be an attempt to pressure the US’ own trade agenda.
Panama President aims to restart China trade talks immediately
20-May-2022 Bloomberg
Panama President Laurentino Cortizo said he intends to immediately restart negotiations with China over a free trade agreement, after conversations were put on hold during the pandemic.
Groups to USTR, USDA: Panama must fully implement trade pact
21-Apr-2022 DRGNews
Panama submitted a formal request to revise the agricultural tariff elimination terms of the US FTA. US agriculture groups urge the Biden administration to oppose any changes to agricultural tariffs, TRQs or safeguards.
Panama seeks review of US trade pact, flags certain farm goods
17-Mar-2022 National Post
Panama said it had requested a review of the terms and conditions of a trade agreement in place with the United States since 2012.
Qatar faces $6 billion arbitration claim linked to ruling family member
15-Feb-2022 Forbes
The Qatari government is facing a $6 billion international arbitration claim stemming from a case against a member of the country’s ruling family.
S. Korea-Central America FTA set for full implementation in March
25-Feb-2021 Yonhap News Agency
South Korea said its free trade agreement (FTA) with a group of Central American nations will be fully implemented starting next month as Panama completed its domestic procedures.