Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is finalizing a resolution to allow the processing and export of previously extracted rock material from the Donoso mine. Minister Julio Molto stated the authorization for the company to remove and process the stored stockpile (mining) could be issued within hours.
The decision follows environmental and safety audits requested by the Ministry of Environment. Officials cite potential risks from the material’s prolonged storage as a key factor in accelerating the administrative process.
Minister Molto provided specific details on the pending action. He emphasized the material requires processing before it can leave the country for commercialization.
“We are ready to take the step. I believe that between today and tomorrow, within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, we must generate the resolution that allows the company to begin removing this material to get it out of the country,” Molto said. [Translated from Spanish]
Material Quality and Presidential Instructions
The material in question is not newly mined. Molto clarified it is rock stored from earlier operations and lacks the same quality as previous extractions. He did not specify the exact tonnage currently held at the site.
“There is a quantity of tons I do not recall. It is important to know this material does not have the same quality as the previous material. It was what they call stockpile, and it is there,” the Minister explained. [Translated from Spanish]
This move executes an instruction from President Jose Raul Mulino issued earlier this year. The president had ordered the export of accumulated rock material and copper concentrate from Donoso while explicitly stating this did not constitute a reopening of mining operations.
Molto directly linked the current authorization to the president’s directive and environmental concerns.
“After having done all the audits and, as you rightly said, at the request of the Ministry of Environment, due to the risk this can also cause, President Mulino gave us the instruction to carry out all the legal procedures for this,” Molto said. [Translated from Spanish]
Final Administrative Steps and Context
The administrative process is now in its final stage within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Panama). Minister Molto reiterated his expectation for a swift conclusion, aiming to complete the resolution imminently. This allows the responsible company to begin logistical preparations for removal.
This development represents a limited administrative action concerning existing stockpiles. It is distinct from any policy decision regarding the future of large-scale metal mining in Panama. The focus remains solely on managing legacy material deemed a potential liability.
Successfully moving that material will involve significant coordination between the company, customs authorities, and port operators. The government’s resolution will establish the specific legal and commercial framework for these activities.