By Sister Angelina Mitre
Panama has achieved a historic milestone in its fight against mining, thanks to the unrelenting will of Panamanian people who, every day for a month, took to the streets to protest against a controversial contract signed with First Quantum Minerals a Canadian mining company. This contract would have meant another 20 or even 40 years of exploitation of metals such as copper and gold in the Mesoamerican region, the most biodiverse area of the country. Despite the unfortunate and sad loss of three lives and several injuries, the popular protests were successful in getting the contract reviewed by the Supreme Court which declared unconstitutional in November 2023, thus being invalidated.
In this context of popular resistance, the voice of the Catholic Church was heard through a pastoral letter drafted by the eight bishops and the archbishop of Panama, in collaboration with a commission composed of lay people, priests, deacons and bishops, with the help of expert advisors. This document makes clear that “the destruction of the Common Home is an ecological mortal sin,” highlighting the social, cultural and environmental impacts of mining and energy macro-projects, as well as the privatization of water and the extraction of natural resources, especially the harm to indigenous peoples.
The letter is structured in three parts. The first part addresses the inhuman concept of development, notably the model that places human life at the service of the economic progress.
In the second, the richness of the common home that God has given to Panama is highlighted, underlining its unique biological diversity and the risks resulting from abuse and mismanagement of its resources. The letter also introduces the concept of integral ecology, which seeks to restore balance between human beings, neighbors, the earth and God.
In the third part, it offers concrete measures to save our common home, from personal commitments to institutional actions. Importantly, this includes a the rejection of “open pit” mining, emphasizing that Panama is not a country with a mining history and advocating for an alternative model of comprehensive and supportive development.
The letter stresses that the economy should never be above people.
Our Sisters in Panama: Nieves Jimenez, Edith Gonzalez, Tita López, Dina Altamiranda, Mercedes Gómez and Angelina Mitre, joined the voices that reject mining activity in Panama and marched alongside people in the streets, expressing their solidarity and support for the cause. As Sisters of Mercy, they expressed their commitment to the search for an integral development that respects the dignity of all people and nature’s sustainability, aligned with our Critical Concern, Earth.
Panama is facing a key moment that will have a direct impact on the lives of Panamanians and the wider world. On May 5, national elections will be held that will not only define the political course of the country but will also establish its position on fundamental issues such as respect for the popular will, the constitution, the rights of indigenous peoples and other key aspects such as environmental protection that are critical, especially for the younger generations.
In this time of uncertainty, let us come together as a community to pray for a future of Panama, hoping it is one that respects the will of the people and protects our common home, advocating for dialogue and peaceful action in defense of our values and our mother earth.