Virgilio Vargas – Engineering

In the heart of Panama, the life of local communities revolved around the activity of Latin America’s largest copper mine, Minera Panama. For five years, the mine was not only a workplace, but an engine of development that transformed the region. Virgilio Vargas, an engineer who dedicated his efforts to the company, witnessed how the presence of the mine positively impacted the lives of its inhabitants. Roads that were once dirt and difficult to travel became vital arteries connecting neighboring towns. Commerce flourished, and small businesses prospered thanks to the demand for products and services from mine workers. The arrival of Cobre Panama brought an economic boom that benefited many, generating employment and opportunities that had previously seemed unattainable.

I was here on November 28. It was a contradictory moment because it was a day where we should be celebrating beautiful things about our country, but we didn’t feel that way.

However, on November 28, 2023, an announcement changed everything. The news of the mine’s closure resounded in the air like an echo of sadness. It was a day that should have been marked by the celebration of the country’s independence, but for Minera Panama’s workers, the joy faded. Instead of celebrating, they faced uncertainty and fear for the future. The news of the closure not only affected the workers, but also had a profound impact on their families and the local economy. Virgilio and his co-workers felt caught between sadness and confusion. The silence that followed the announcement was deafening. The streets, once vibrant with the activity of workers and the bustle of commerce, became a reflection of desolation. Families began to feel the weight of uncertainty, and the hope that had once flourished faded. Virgil, along with his companions, was forced to rethink his future. The community, which had been united by prosperity, now faced the challenge of rebuilding in the midst of adversity.

Listen to this silence. This is what remains of what has happened this past year.

Despite the sadness, Virgilio and his colleagues decided not to give up. Instead of giving in to despair, they chose to support the company in its preservation phase. They understood that even though the mine was closed, its legacy should not be forgotten. The story of Minera Panamá was also the story of their community, their struggle and their ability to overcome obstacles. The resilience of the workers became a beacon of hope. The people of the region came together to support each other, sharing resources and knowledge.

The experience of Minera Panamá’s workers is a reminder that development and progress are not only economic, but also human issues. Mining, when done responsibly, can be an engine of positive change. However, the mine’s closure exposed the fragility of communities that depend on a single source of income. Virgilio’s story is a call for reflection on the importance of building sustainable economies that benefit everyone.