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Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the demands of Panamanian activists asking for the shutdown of First Quantum Mineral’s Cobre Panamá copper mine.
Since mid-October, thousands of people have been protesting in different parts of the country against the recent approval of Cobre Panamá’s mining concession. They say they are worried about the potential environmental impacts of the giant operation and demand that the Laurentino Cortizo government repeals Law 406, which governs the concession and grants First Quantum the right to mine copper for 20 years, with the option of an additional 20 years. It also guarantees a minimum annual income of $375 million to the government.
In a social media post, DiCaprio shared a video titled “Panama Te Quiero Verde, Shut down the mega-mine,” which was produced by US-based NGO Re:Wild.
The actor also praised the people of Panama for coming together to defend nature and asking the country’s Supreme Court to declare the mining project unconstitutional.
“This area – the protected rainforest Bosque Donoso – lying in the heart of the largest biological corridor in Mesoamerica, is a lifeline for many migratory species. It is critical to the livelihoods and cultures of local and Indigenous communities and is home to wildlife that includes macaws, tapirs, monkeys and jaguars,” the actor wrote.
“This activity would have a destructive impact on the surrounding ecosystems, species, and people. A global spotlight can help Panamanians win a critical victory for biodiversity and can pave the way for a more sustainable future.”
DiCaprio ended his post by asking his followers to sign a petition to halt the mining project operated by Minera Panamá, First Quantum’s subsidiary in the Central American country.
The actor’s plea comes just a week before the country’s Supreme Court is set to install a permanent session to issue a final ruling on two unconstitutional appeals against the miner’s new contract, which was renewed on October 20 after months of tense negotiations.
Last December, the Panamanian government ordered First Quantum to halt operations at Cobre Panamá amid disagreements during contract negotiations, which later broke down. Talks eventually resumed and the parties reached an agreement in March. The company estimated that the two-month suspension caused up to $8 million in losses per day.
When the new contract was made official on October 20, 2023, protests erupted, some of them violent. According to the country’s National Council of Private Enterprise, vandalism linked to the rallies has caused $1.7 billion in losses to local businesses.
Meanwhile, unions and Indigenous groups maintain road blockades arguing that the contract should be repealed by Parliament and not by a Supreme Court ruling.
Blockades have even moved off land, as last Friday a ship with supplies for First Quantum’s unit in Panama was unable to dock as local boats blocked off access to the Punta Rincon port.
“The illegal actions carried out by small vessels in the port of Punta Rincon have affected the delivery of supplies that are required by Minera Panama, including for energy generation,” the company said in a media statement.
Cobre Panamá started commercial production in 2019, is First Quantum’s top money-maker and accounts for about 1.5% of global copper output. At full capacity, it can process 85 million tonnes of ore annually and produce more than 300,000 tonnes of copper each year. Gold, silver, and molybdenum are also recovered.
Currently, the complex includes two open pit mines, a processing plant, two 150MW power stations and a port.
10 Comments
Cat San
I live in Panama and it’s always interesting how people, especially public figures, like Leonardo DiCaprio, jump on a bandwagon they know very little about. While this whole protest is discussed in the media as being about protecting the environment, that’s simply not true. The main reason Panamanians are protesting is the corruption in the government which results in cash moving into the pockets of people at the top . Deals are made without regard to any public consultation or transparency. Good paying jobs are wanted and needed in this country. People and unions are open and willing to negotiate especially when the company promises to protect the environment, provide safe working conditions, and follow the rules of the country. Government corruption is the problem!
Keith
Thank you for confirming my theory on Leo’s involvement here. Leo is a WEF stooge designed to attract eyeballs for a particular cause. He knows only what he is told to know and does not represent the needs of normal everyday people. I hope Panamanians can overcome this and these resources can be extracted responsibly and the benefits serve the normal everyday person, not just the government and their corporate lackeys.
Ken Ballard
Agree… he’s a joke
AGodoy
Worst of all is that there’s a high risk for future responsible investments in the region if these claims climb. Leo, people need jobs, people need money, just keep on doing excellent movies for all of us who admire you. Thank you.
BOB HALL
Leo, this is about something that you actually do understand. MONEY! Just like you want your share some people in Panama also want their share. For decades certain leaders have pocketed millions of $ for their retirement. Now others feel they should have some of that cash and are pushing the current hot buttons. Environmental regulation! Aboriginal rights! Financial manipulation! Political interference! They do not mean it. They just want their piece of the pie- same as you when you demand millions for your services.
The world does not need copper mines! Just stop the green movement and burn more coal and oil sands oil! Simple.
Ken Ballard
Leonardo is the biggest environment hypocrite….he rides in private jets, water ski doo and SUVs all while speaking against big oil…what a joke…what does he really know about what Panama needs
Karen
I live in Panama. The roads here have been blocked for weeks due to the protests. No one can get from point a to point b. Fuel, food, and medicine are not getting through. How does punishing the average person help their cause? Many people here have had enough!
GENETTASW
Leonardo, you are right. But, the situation in Panama is much bigger than just one aspect of the many protests. At least two known countries in addition to Panama are involved in the mining industry in Panama. So, the fight is much more than just national. The people in this beautiful world deserve respect and consideration from the government and from these groups of powerful people around the world. THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT US! Meaning, Panama nor the people in the world. I was born on the Canal Zone in Panamá. I am blessed because my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents worked on and for the Panamá Canal. Without the manpower that migrated to Panama from the Caribbean to build the Panama Canal, Panama would not have completed the Canal in the time phrase that it did. No one cares about their resting places in Corozal, Gatun, and Mt Hope the way they deserve to be preserve and kept. Only a small group of it’s Canal, Caribbean descendants are working together for the preservations. NOT THE GOVERNMENT the way they should. This is just an example of the many LUCHAS we do here in Panama to be counted and to get things done. Few people understand what is actually taking place in Panama and around the globe. We need true, kind, honest leaders. I will take a Robin Hood if that’s the only solution.
And so we hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Panamá is bleeding. It’s fighting and the bruises are damaging. Wee must stop the bleeding.
p.s. I respect everyone’s openings
David
Meanwhile people that have nothing to do with the mining are trapped. With no proper food, medicine, water, toilets. Over a month a lot of truckers from other countries have been trapped and they only want to get OUTSIDE the country. With loses on the products they carry. With loses on their families because who is going to provide for their families?
Virginia Gasior
Only shows his lack of intellect as well as being a hypocrite! The mine would help millions of electric cars to be built. GREEN ENERGY! Which his employer,WEF wants. Once they get rid off fossil fuel and no electric cars, we should all be riding bicycles in cold climates such as Canada while Leo rides his private planes, sport cards and yatchs. Take a hike Leo!