The closure of the Cobre Panamá mine has raised serious environmental and health concerns, particularly for Indigenous communities living nearby. A report by ELAW indicates the mine’s tailings dam is at imminent risk of failure, with inadequate monitoring leading to increased water contamination and ecological damage. Experts are calling for better regulations governing mine closure to address both social and environmental impacts, highlighting the broader implications of mining activities and the current gaps in legal frameworks across Latin America.
The Cobre Panamá copper mine, which was closed in 2023, has been left to deteriorate in a biodiverse region of Panama’s Atlantic coast. A report from the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) indicates that the mine’s tailings dam faces imminent risk of failure due to inadequate monitoring and internal erosion, posing significant environmental threats. Indigenous communities report worsening water contamination and ecological damage since the mine’s closure, impacting both their health and the local wildlife.
Experts assert that mine closure regulations in Latin America are inadequate, recommending that future closure plans must include social and environmental impact management. The Cobre Panamá mine has failed to maintain its infrastructure, reflecting a widespread issue. Inactive mines threaten both the environment and human health if not properly managed, as evidenced by the catastrophic collapse of a tailings dam in Brazil in 2019 that resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive ecological destruction.
Between 1915 and 2021, there were 342 tailings dam failures globally, with 57% occurring in the Americas, often linked to heavy rains or seismic activity. The ELAW report highlights the Cobre Panamá tailings dam’s risk of failure stemming from internal erosion, confirmed by analyses of monitoring data. Isaías Ramos of the Environmental Advocacy Center warns that leaking heavy metals from the dam could severely impact surrounding ecosystems and local water resources.
Situated in Donoso, a protected area that comprises part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, the mine’s location harbors numerous threatened species, including the jaguar and critically endangered Geminis’ dart frog. Local Indigenous leaders have raised alarm about the pollution of vital water sources and the loss of biodiversity, indicating that the situation has worsened since mining operations ceased. Abelizario Rodriguez, an Indigenous community member stated, “Nature’s alarm is ringing; our species are dying.”
Cobre Panamá was the largest copper mine in the country, producing a considerable portion of the world’s copper supply before its closure contributed to industry shortages. Following its last copper production in November 2023, the mine entered a preservation phase, managing its ongoing environmental impact. However, the ELAW report reveals serious deficiencies such as non-functional inclinometers, which are essential for monitoring dam integrity.
Monitoring issues extend to the company neglecting to assess potential acid mine drainage, a violation of national laws and international standards. The potential for acid mine drainage poses a significant risk given the mine’s high sulfur content, which can cause environmental harm. Milciades Abrego from the Nueva Lucha Indigenous community expressed that the contamination from the mine has wreaked havoc on their agricultural land, causing severe production declines and food insecurity.
Previous reports had previously highlighted the tailings dam’s risk of failure, emphasizing the need for better management systems to avoid such dangerous situations. The closure of the Cobre Panamá mine has echoed the urgent need for governments in South America to enforce stringent mine closure regulations and oversee their implementation diligently. Joana Abrego, legal manager at CIAM, notes that current Panamanian regulations on mining infrastructure post-closure are severely lacking, emphasizing the need for more robust guidelines and regulatory measures to ensure sustainable mine closures.
While some Latin American countries have established comprehensive mine closure legislation, there remain significant gaps, particularly regarding social and economic consequences of closures. Regulations often overlook long-term monitoring and rehabilitation of mined land, leading to ongoing environmental issues and community displacement. The ELAW underscores the necessity of creating responsible closure plans that consider both social and environmental sustainability, affirming that stakeholders, including local communities, should not bear the costs of irresponsible mining practices.
The issue of failed mining operations has prompted increasing attention to mine closure challenges within Latin America, compelling governments to prioritize robust regulations and enforcement. The ELAW advocates for a paradigm shift towards holistic approach in mine closure planning, highlighting the social responsibilities mining companies owe to the communities affected by their operations.
The Cobre Panamá mine’s closure highlights critical deficiencies in mining regulations in Latin America, emphasizing the urgent need for effective monitoring and rehabilitation frameworks for inactive mines. The environmental and social ramifications, particularly for Indigenous communities, underscore the necessity of robust legislative measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of mine closure practices. Proactive management and comprehensive guidelines are essential to prevent further ecological and human harm, advocating for accountability among mining corporations and protecting local ecosystems and communities. Only through a collaborative and regulated approach can the lasting impacts of mining activities be mitigated, ensuring both environmental fidelity and community wellbeing.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
