The Panamanian government declared Law 406 unconstitutional in an official gazette

(CNN Spanish) — The Presidency of Panama published in the official gazette a decision declaring Law 406 unconstitutional, according to a statement released this Saturday. With this provision, an agreement between the state and the Minera Panama company was renewed with new terms and conditions for copper mining.

This Saturday, CNN tried to access the link in the official gazette in which the verdict was published, but it found an error and reported that the page could not be displayed.

The Supreme Court issued its ruling on Monday, November 27 (although the decision was announced the next day) and the Presidency of Panama promised in a press release that Panama’s constitutional provisions would be published in the Official Gazette. For due confirmation of the judgment of the Supreme Court.

The press release also indicated that “the transition process will begin to close the mine in an orderly and safe manner.”

Various civil and environmental groups rejected the mining deal, saying it posed a risk to the environment and biodiversity.

First Quantum, which owns Minera Panamá, a copper miner in the Central American country, did not grant an interview to CNN, but through reports it has always defended its operations and is committed to responsible mining. After learning of the court ruling, the company released a statement saying, “It respects Panamanian laws and will review the content of the ruling to better understand its basis.”

Since October 23, protests, blockades and class shutdowns have taken place in the country, causing economic losses.

Teachers called off a strike this Saturday and promised to return to classrooms on Monday, while some key tribes in the interior of Panama awaited publication in the official gazette to free up vehicular traffic.