Here is a rough translation :
7:37 a.m. - The Minister of Trade and Industry, Roberto Henriquez, said today that a "responsible" mining, using the latest technology at hand and in treating people is beneficial for Panama.
Henríquez said that the authorities have studied the experiences of other countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, where he has found that mining activities are feasible.
In fact, he mentioned that in the richest country in Latin America like Chile, 60% of its exports are minerals. As explained by the minister in this South American country "mining coexists with agriculture."
For these reasons, said in Telemetro Reports are saying that things are not certain about this. Denied, for example, currently 44% of the national territory has been granted mining.
Accordingly, he said that right now there is only one metal mining project is the Petaquilla Gold, located between southern and northern Colon Cocle, which is occupying 25 hectares.
He added that a second project completed the exploration stage and has already submitted its environmental impact study to the National Environmental Authority. He said that, depending on the evaluation of the study, be granted an operating permit.
Also, Henriquez said amendments to the Code of Mineral Resources that this government intends to seek to modify and update these rules date back to 1962.
