TRANSLATED
Much to gain and little to lose
The rich mineral deposits
Carlos Ernesto Gonzalez Ramirez
<mailto:opinion@prensa.com> opinion@prensa.com
The value of mineral deposits known to date in Panama at current market prices, is approximately 221 billion dollars. That wealth, which is in our basement, just takes that value if it is extracted from an investment of over U.S. $ 10 billion (twice the value of the expansion of the Canal).
If these deposits are exploited and obtained by the minerals that value resulting therefrom, we can ensure that more than 50% of that value will remain in Panama, considering the royalties of 5%, the income tax of 25% , the wages paid to more than 7 000 people, investments and purchases of local inputs required for the operation. In addition, built a substantial infrastructure in roads, electricity, ports and housing.
The amount of land that would be affected if you exploit all the mineral deposits known today would be less than 14 000 hectares of land. Since the country is 7.5 million hectares, to extract these 221 billion dollars that would affect less than 0.2% of the country.
No part of this territory is affected tourist areas developed or being developed. Nor is near urban areas or their water intakes. Rather, in unpopulated areas, in extremely poor districts without access to the most basic infrastructure necessary for a dignified life.
To me, the figures given above lead me to conclude that mining in our country is not only desirable, but may be an important provider of resources to reduce extreme poverty in our country, since these mines are precisely where the poorest of the poor.
The case of indigenous people is the most unlikely, in my opinion. Apart from that reform millionaire guaranteed income to the municipalities in which the main holdings are given the certainty of work, wages, social security and stability, the product of one of the largest investments in the Republic will, shows that their reaction was based on incomplete information. The Indians have everything to gain and little to lose.
What is lost is given by the environmental impact of mines, but that the code reform is introduced for the first time, mechanisms to enforce environmental laws, including the mitigation of impacts and closing processes. It also generates the resources to give you the strength regulation that requires both Anam as Mici.
When I put the figures in this article on Facebook, one of my friends said I defended the mining industry because the firm for which I am partner win a milloncitos. While it is true that my firm represents one of the mining has already granted and that the mine will explode, with or without amendments to the Mining Code, it was obvious that this person had no valid argument to devalue the assertion that mines can produce $ 221 billion with effect in 0.2% of the country. The fact that I am a mining lawyer does not change the reality of these figures.
Another Facebook friend told me that if it was true what he said regarding the extension of operations, explained how the maps have been published that indicate that almost all the national territory is under concession. I made it clear that these alleged concessions are not operating, but exploration (search fields) and, mostly, are not concession (just ordered) and are speculative. The recent reform of the Mining Code puts an end to them, establishing a concession fee per hectare progressive over time, which will make it very costly for speculators.
The reform debate Mining Code has focused not on what should or not the same, but the possible effects of opencast mining and its impact on the environment. Beyond the environmental debate, which has to be discussed in the appropriate framework for me to decide whether the operation is desirable or not is very simple and is shown by the figures given above.
Therefore, the discussion of reform of the Code in any moderately educated country had been used to argue the merits that it has to ensure implementation of environmental regulations and to mitigate the impact of mining in Panama was used to discuss something that was discussed and based on misinformation and superficial.
This is very unfortunate. Countries move when people base their political decisions on knowledge and facts. Remain underdeveloped when their discussions are on speculation and propaganda.
