Panama President Mulino denies Cerro Colorado mining project

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has denied reports that his administration is promoting a mining project in Cerro Colorado. Responding to social media reports of indigenous protests against such an initiative, Mulino stated on X that the claims are ‘ABSOLUTELY FALSE’ and that ‘there is nothing on that topic.’

This denial follows a meeting of the Extraordinary General Congress of the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, where indigenous authorities rejected the possibility of opening a consultation process regarding mining activities. The Ngäbe-Buglé leadership, including General Cacica Elena Cruz, expressed opposition to any processes linked to the exploitation of Cerro Colorado.

While the government maintains there are no plans for a mine, reports suggest that Cobre del Istmo Corp., a Panamanian company linked to Russell Mining Corp., has shown interest in the area. Indigenous organizations have raised concerns that commercial interests from Canada, the United States, Israel, and China could be involved in attempts to advance mining activities within their territory.