First Quantum Minerals Responds to Latest Developments In Panamá
16 Diciembre 2022 - 06:57AM
GlobeNewswire Inc.
First Quantum Minerals Responds to Latest Developments In
Panamá
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or “the Company”)
(TSX: FM) issued the following statement today in response to the
latest developments regarding the Cobre Panamá mine operated by its
subsidiary Minera Panamá, S.A. (“MPSA”).
“MPSA made significant progress in negotiations
with the Government of Panamá over the past several weeks and came
very close to an agreement to secure the long-term future of the
Cobre Panamá mine before the Government halted discussions and
announced plans to order MPSA to suspend operations.
We are disappointed by the Government’s actions.
The Government seeks a refreshed concession contract that does
right by the country, its people and its economy, and we believe
our proposal achieves just that. Our most recent proposal would
make Cobre Panamá one of the highest payers of royalties amongst
copper-producing nations in the Americas:
- As the Government has publicly
requested, our proposal would provide for payments of US$375
million a year in tax and royalty revenues.
- We have stated publicly since
January that our agreement to this economic benefit should be
subject to certain protections in case metal prices or
profitability drop significantly. These protections were agreed
with the Government of Panama.
- With social security contributions
from MPSA and its employees, and other payments for permits, water
and municipalities, Cobre Panamá and its employees would contribute
more than US$500 million each year in revenues to the government at
current copper prices.
The Minera Panamá contract was renewed in 2017
and remains in legal standing for a period until 2037. Since 1997,
the mine was developed with invested capital of more than $10
billion and has been in operation since 2019 on a legal basis at
all times.
We have significant plans for the future of
Cobre Panamá that will benefit all Panamanians, and our goal
remains to find a ‘win-win’ resolution with the Government that
will safeguard 40,000 jobs and protect our investment. In the
meantime, we are doing everything possible to support the Cobre
Panama workforce, preserve the value and integrity of the mine and
defend First Quantum and its stakeholders from the Government’s
unnecessary actions, including through all available legal
means.”
For further information, visit our website at
www.first-quantum.com or contact:
Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations (416)
361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577E-Mail: info@fqml.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION
Certain statements and information herein,
including all statements that are not historical facts, contain
forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within
the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking
statements in this news release include statements as to economic
effects of the proposal put forward by MPSA, the long-term future
of the Cobre Panamá mine and the Company’s openness to further
dialogue with the Government of Panama and goal of finding a
mutually acceptable resolution. With respect to forward-looking
statements and information contained herein, the Company has made
numerous assumptions, including as to the effects of the proposal
put forward by MPSA . Forward-looking statements and information by
their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These
factors include, but are not limited to, political stability in
Panama, potential social and environmental challenges, and events
generally impacting global economic, political and social
stability. There may also be other factors that cause actual
results, performance, achievements or events not as anticipated,
estimated or intended, including the risks, uncertainties and other
factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Information Form. The
Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update
forward-looking statements or information as a result of new
information or events after the date hereof except as may be
required by law.
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