Tomás Berrio – Shop foreman

Since March 2016, Tomás Berrio’s life has been intrinsically linked to the Minera Panamá copper mine. As a shop foreman, he has witnessed the evolution of his work environment and the communities that depend on the mining activity. In its early days, the fine plant workshop had a robust team of 67 workers, all committed to the extraction and processing of ore. However, with the mine closing in November 2023, the reality has changed dramatically.

I and all my colleagues who are still with this company have had to make adjustments to our salaries.

Today, the workshop has seen an alarming reduction in its staff. Of the 67 workers who were once part of the team, only three remain. This change has not only affected the work dynamics, but has also had a profound impact on the lives of the workers and their families. The workload has been redistributed among the few remaining workers, who must now perform their tasks in a rotation system that barely allows the workshop to continue operating. The pressure is palpable, and each of them faces the uncertainty of the future. The economic situation has led Tomás and his colleagues to make significant adjustments in their lives. With downsizing, they have also had to deal with salary cuts and the elimination of certain benefits they once considered essential. The anguish of how to pay for day-to-day expenses has become a constant concern. Despite these challenges, Tomás and his colleagues are aware that their work at the mine represents an opportunity to improve their quality of life, even if it means being away from their families.

I urge people who are uninformed to become well informed about the situation, about how the work is done here.

Misinformation about mining and its effects on the environment has been a recurring theme in the community. Tomás feels the need to raise his voice and urge those who are not well informed to seek the truth about mining in Panama. In his opinion, it is essential that people understand how work is carried out at the mine and the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. To this end, he invites people to participate in the activities of Cobre Conecta, a project that seeks to bring citizens closer to the reality of mining, promoting dialogue and education about the impact of these activities. Cobre Conecta has become a bridge between the company and local communities, offering information about responsible mining practices and the progress it can bring to the region. Tomás encourages people to visit the places where this project is present, to listen to Panamanian professional miners and to understand that mining, when done responsibly, can be an engine for development and well-being.

As the mine closed its doors, the communities that depended on it began to feel the repercussions. The local economy, which had flourished thanks to mining activity, was affected. Small businesses that thrived on the influx of workers began to close, and unemployment became a reality for many. Families that once enjoyed a more stable life now face uncertainty and the struggle to survive in an environment that has changed drastically. Tomás, despite the difficulties, remains hopeful. He and his colleagues continue to work with dedication, looking for ways to adapt to the new reality. Through their work, they not only seek to maintain their livelihoods, but also to contribute to building a more sustainable future for their communities. Tomás Berrio’s story is a reflection of the complexity of mining in Panama. It is a reminder that behind every number and every statistic, there are human lives that are affected by economic and political decisions. Mining, when managed responsibly, can be a source of progress and development. However, it is crucial that the community is well informed and engaged in dialogue about its future.

In a world where information is key, Tomás makes a call to action. He invites everyone to become informed, to question and participate in the conversation about mining and its impact on the environment and society. It is essential that the voices of those who have dedicated their lives to this work are heard. Mining can be responsible, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that it is done ethically and sustainably, for the well-being of communities and the environment.