Analysis-Canada mining deal emerges as flashpoint in Panama 2024 election

People participate in a protest against a new mining contract signed into law by Panama's government, providing Canadian mining firm First Quantum a 20-year mining right, with an option to extend for another 20 years, in Panama City November 9, 2023. REUTERS/Tarina Rodriguez/File Photo

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Fierce opposition to a mining deal with a Canadian firm has become a burning issue in Panama's May 2024 presidential election, with candidates pushing for more state control of the lucrative mine and the country's top court striking down the contract.

Panamanians have held the biggest protests in decades to have the contract signed on Oct. 20 by Canada's First Quantum scrapped, and have pressed candidates for a tougher stance on a mine worth about 5% of national GDP and 1.5% of global copper output.