Once one of the world’s largest copper mines, Cobre Panamá has sat idle for nearly two years, with environmentalists warning that the government’s failure to settle the fate of the site threatens lasting damage to its heavily forested surroundings. Green advocates worry the open-pit mine’s tailings ponds have already leaked toxic waste during this idle period, and that the company is not acting in good faith to guarantee environmental security. The mine’s owner, First Quantum Minerals of Canada, rejects the claim, saying environmental monitoring in place since 2012 has shown the mine has met relevant standards required under Panamanian law. “Cobre Panamá has passed all government water tests and monitors chemical levels in water discharge around the clock,” James Devas, the company’s spokesman, said in a written statement to EcoAméricas. “It has also sampled all rivers and creeks surrounding the mine, and the aquatic ecosystems have not been negatively... [Log in to read more]