Panama, October 19 (EFE).- The National Assembly (Parliament) of Panama approved on Thursday, in the second of three obligatory debates, the controversial contract between the State and Minera Panamá, a subsidiary of the Canadian company First Quantum Minerals (FQM). , while protests intensify against this mining pact.

With 45 votes in favor, 9 against and 2 abstentions, the contract law criticized for the operation of the largest open-air copper mine in Central America was approved in the second debate.

“After a long debate, the Legislative Plenary approved during the second debate Bill 1100, on the contract between the State and Minera Panama,” reported the National Assembly.

During their speech, official MPs highlighted the social and economic benefits that the mining pact would bring, while the opposition and independent parliamentarians showed their total rejection, based mainly on the negative environmental consequences.

“Does this contract meet the needs of the country as required by the constitution, yes or no? Does it meet the legal and constitutional requirements established in the legal system, yes or no? I hope your vote is based on these questions “, did he declare. said independent deputy Juan Diego Vásquez, one of the most critical voices.

For his part, the deputy of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Leandro Ávila, one of the figures in favor of the contract, stressed that “if we reject this contract (…) the first effects are the loss of job”. (and) the entire economic movement, being a (mining) company that contributes 4% to GDP.”

It is expected that tomorrow this mining pact will be approved during the third and final debate. Then the President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, must ratify it.

Tension rises during protests

As discussions progressed in Parliament, a large march made up of hundreds of students, environmentalists and civil society reached the premises of the Legislative headquarters to protest against this controversial contract.

More people participated in Thursday’s tense day than previous ones and it culminated in clashes with the police: the police responded with tear gas, after some demonstrators threw stones at them. According to EFE, there were injuries.

The country’s main union, Suntracs, blocked certain points on the main roads this Thursday morning, causing traffic jams.

The debate over the controversial mining contract returned to Parliament this week after the Executive made changes, with suggestions from the Legislature, which were described as “make-up” by environmentalists and unions.

Among the changes made by the Government, with suggestions from Parliament, is the elimination of the “expropriation clauses” of land and the condition that “allowed Minera Panama to request restrictions on airspace” while that an article was included which “reaffirms that nothing in the Contract restricts or limits the sovereignty of Panama over its territory.”

The provision that the State would grant a concession to explore for gold, silver and molybdenum was also removed.

Last March, the Executive and the mining company reached, after ardent negotiations, a final agreement on a 20-year extendable concession contract for the exploitation of the Cobre Panamá mine with a minimum annual income of approximately 355 million euros for the treasury and broad powers. .state supervision over the operation, among others.