Cobre Panama mine, which belonged to Canadian miner First Quantum, used to be the biggest copper mine on the earth, but it has been closed since 2023 following environmental protests and a court ruling prompted the government to mandate its closure. 

First Quantum has filed an arbitration claim seeking at least US$30 billion in damages, stating that arbitration is its last resort. The company emphasized its preference to resolve the dispute and find a way to reopen the mine.

A supplier of the Cobre Panama mine stated after a meeting with Panamanian President José Mulino that the president would determine the mine's future only after addressing the country's social security policy issues. 

Before a decision on the mine is reached, the government must approve the preservation and safety management plan, enabling First Quantum to export 120,000 tons of copper concentrate currently stranded at the mine. Releasing this copper could influence global copper prices.