The shutdown of the Cobre Panamá mine has resulted in severe environmental risks, as highlighted by a new ELAW report indicating that its tailings dam is at imminent risk of failure. Indigenous communities report increased water contamination and health problems since the mine’s closure in 2023, emphasizing the need for better mine closure regulations in Latin America. Experts call for plans that address the socio-environmental impacts of mining, particularly in light of past disasters related to tailings dam failures.
The Cobre Panamá copper mine, which ceased operations in 2023, has been left unattended in a biodiverse jungle area on Panama’s Atlantic coast, leading to concern over its dilapidated infrastructure. A report by Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) indicates that the mine’s tailings dam faces imminent failure due to internal erosion and poor monitoring, significantly affecting local ecosystems and communities. Indigenous groups near the mine report increased contamination in their water sources, resulting in health issues and loss of critical species. Experts emphasize that mine closure regulations in Latin America are insufficient, advocating for more responsible management that considers both social and environmental impacts.
The neglect of closed mines poses considerable risks to human health and the environment, evidenced by the 2019 Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil, which resulted in significant loss of life and environmental damage. Research shows that between 1915 and 2021, a staggering number of tailings dam failures occurred globally, with the Americas accounting for over half. ELAW’s examination of Cobre Panamá’s monitoring practices revealed failures in adhering to safety protocols, raising alarms about the potential for catastrophic environmental consequences.
Cobre Panamá, once the largest copper mine in Panama, had a production capacity exceeding 350,000 tons annually but left a legacy of environmental concern with its closure. The mine’s final copper production occurred in November 2023, transitioning into a preservation phase while maintaining some monitoring activities. However, significant concerns remain regarding the functionality of monitoring equipment and the company’s adherence to environmental regulations.
Local communities and Indigenous leaders assert that the situation has worsened since the mine’s closure, noting deteriorating water quality and its adverse effects on agriculture. Residents express deep concern over contamination, with diminished crop yields and declining biodiversity observed post-closure. Organizations like ELAW have raised warnings about the inadequacies in the mine’s closure planning, which fails to protect surrounding communities effectively.
Inadequate mine closure planning often results in social and economic challenges for affected communities, as many depend on mining for their livelihoods. Authorities in Panama have been urged to enhance regulations regarding the development of mine closure plans that outline environmental and social mitigation strategies. Countries like Peru and Chile have established some legislation in this area, but a broader focus on community impacts is needed to ensure sustainable outcomes following mine operations.
The Cobre Panamá mine’s closure highlights critical failures in the management of mining operations and their aftermath, particularly regarding environmental safety and community wellbeing. The ELAW report underscores the urgent need for improved regulations around mine closure in Latin America to prevent future environmental disasters. Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable and require immediate intervention to mitigate the negative impacts of abandoned mines. There is a pressing need for comprehensive closure plans that prioritize the social and environmental consequences, ensuring better protection for local populations and ecosystems.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
