Overview

• Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals may have to suspend operations at its Panama copper mine due to ongoing protests and a blockade of its mine's power plant.
• The mine, operated by the company's local subsidiary Minera Panama, contributes 1% to global copper production and 3% to Panama's gross domestic product.
• Protests began after the Panamanian government and First Quantum signed a new contract on Oct. 20 for the mine, with demonstrators alleging the terms are too generous to First Quantum and involve corrupt practices.
• First Quantum's market capitalisation has fallen about 45% since the protests started in late October.
• Panama's top court will decide whether to revoke the contract, possibly as soon as mid-December.