Panama minister backs First Quantum copper mine contract despite protests

(Reuters) -Panama's economy and finance minister on Friday reiterated support for a contract allowing the local unit of Canada's First Quantum to operate a major copper mine despite growing protests demanding its cancellation. "Panama is a mining country," Hector Alexander told Reuters, adding that without the mine, its 2023 economic growth would stand at 1% and not the 6% the government is estimating. Last week, lawmakers gave final approval for an extended concession covering the Cobre Panama

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