Two years ago, most of Panama was shut down for a short period of time by protests over the proposed mines that were to open up in indigenous Indian territories here in Panama.  This time there will be much more dialogue ahead of any changes of the current law as there should be.

A multi-sector table will discuss everything from a possible new law to a potential moratorium on the activity.

The Government, the business sector, environmentalists, workers, the church, and indigenous communities will meet to discuss a number of general guidelines for the country’s mining future. Within a period of 60 days the decisions made by the multisectoral board members will be made public.

According to an article in Panamaamerica.com.pa, the executive director of the National Center for Cleaner Production (CNP + L), Mauro Destro, said that “after violent protests in 2011 led by the Ngäbe and Bugle Indians, who achieved a repeal of Law 8 on mining, banning exploitation in indigenous regions and annexed territories, a “vacuum” has been left that private initiative aims to help fill … “.

“Law 8 established an increase in royalties, fees, charges and fines so that the communities and counties surrounding mining concessions received much more than that permitted by the aforementioned code, which dated from 1963.”

Source: Panamaamerica.com.pa