Panama copper miners attacked by protesters, union boss says

A group of protesters in a pickup truck threw stones at buses carrying staff from the First Quantum-operated mine, Michael Camacho, a leader of the Utramipa union, said by telephone.

After one bus was forced to stop, the passengers fled as protesters detained the driver, Camacho said. He said he was unaware of the extent of the injuries suffered by workers.

The union has called for protection of members as demonstrators pushing for the mine’s closure block key supplies from reaching it, which has forced the company to wind down operations.

Panama’s Supreme Court is considering cases filed against the mine, alleging the operating contract is unconstitutional.