First Quantum Minerals (TSE:FM) has shut down a mining project in Panama amidst a labour dispute with construction workers in the Central American country.
The Vancouver-based mining company announced late in the evening on June 26 construction at its Cobre Panama project had been suspended due to an “illegal work stoppage by some members of its construction workforce.”
First Quantum president G. Clive Newall said in a statement the stoppage is related to a new work roster the company has implemented.
The previous roster provided employees with 12 days of work followed by two days off, while the new roster requires 21 days of work followed by seven days off.
Newall said the new roster falls within individual employment contracts signed by workers and does not violate any labour regulations in Panama.
“The company is committed to achieving a resolution to the illegal action and will update stakeholders as warranted,” he said.
Cobre Panama is an open-pit copper mining project located near the coast of the Caribbean Sea, about 120 kilometres west of Panama City.
