Panama Supreme Court voids Panama Ports concession and upholds mine preservation plan

Panama’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously to annul the 1997 concession contract with Panama Ports Company, deeming it contrary to the public interest and to the nation’s common good. The court’s decision paves the way for temporary management of the ports by Danish‑owned Maersk through its APM Terminals subsidiary while a new tender process is prepared. The ruling was noted by U.S. officials as a step toward safeguarding national security amid concerns over Chinese influence at the Panama Canal.

In a separate matter, the court rejected a petition aimed at halting the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Resolution 27, which authorises preservation and safety measures at the Donoso copper mine in Colón Province. The decision allows the implementation of the mine’s Preservation and Safe Management Plan, which includes environmental monitoring, water treatment, and the handling of tailings and hazardous materials following the mine’s closure.

Both rulings illustrate Panama’s judicial scrutiny of major infrastructure agreements and its effort to balance foreign investment interests with national policy objectives.