First Quantum Minerals Ltd. said March 14 that a small number of workers at its preproduction-stage Cobre Panama copper property in Panama are on strike.
The industrial action began March 9 and does not involve the dominant union that represents the majority of Cobre Panama workers.
Work levels at the project have decreased as a result, with development continuing in two of four main construction areas.
First Quantum reported that the government is assisting in ongoing efforts to reach a resolution.
The company announced in February that phased commissioning at Cobre Panama is scheduled to start this year, with the ramp-up expected to continue through 2019 and development CapEx pegged at US$6.3 billion.
The mine is expected to produce at least 150,000 tonnes of copper in 2019, between 270,000 and 300,000 tonnes in 2020 and up to 350,000 tonnes in 2021.
