
IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Panama
Panama's mining sector is small but holds significant potential for growth. With a world-class copper mine beginning operation in 2019, the sector is expected to soon account for 6% of the county's GDP. Mining has the potential to become the country’s second largest economic sector, after the Panama Canal, and fund sustainable development initiatives throughout the country.
The government requested a Mining Policy Framework assessment from Intergovernmental Forum in Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) to help authorities manage potential mining developments in accordance with international best practices and with a focus on achieving Panama’s sustainable development objectives.
To inform this report, the assessment team carried out extensive desk-based research and an in-country mission to visit large- and small-scale mines and meet with numerous stakeholders from government, civil society, aboriginal communities, international organizations, and the private sector.
This report presents Panama's economic, legal, and mining contexts and highlights strengths and gaps in the country's mining laws, policies, and regulations across six thematic areas: legal and policy environment, financial benefit optimization, socioeconomic benefit optimization, environmental management, post-mining transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining. Finally, the report includes specific recommendations for policy reform.
You might also be interested in
IGF-WIMOWA Workshop: Gender and mining governance in West Africa
This report covers how IGF developed and delivered a tailored workshop on gender and mining governance for stakeholders in 13 West African nations.
IGF Case Study: Mine Closure Policies in South America
These IGF case studies examine mine closure legislation in Chile and Peru.
ASM and COVID-19: IGF member survey of challenges and opportunities
A report on survey responses from IGF members about COVID-19 impacts on the ASM sector.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and COVID-19: Responding to the pandemic
This brief outlines some of the main challenges to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector support and regulation in the context of the global pandemic and points tentatively to how governments can move forward.