Giovani Castellano Castillo – Emergency Response Officer

In the small community of La Pintada, the lives of its inhabitants had been marked by the arrival of the Minera Panama copper mine. Giovani Castellano Castillo, an emergency response officer, was one of the many who joined the project in the hope of a better future. From the beginning of its operations, the mine not only offered employment, but also provided opportunities for training and personal and professional growth. For Giovani, this was admirable on the part of the company, especially in an economic context where La Pintada was facing difficulties. Prior to the mine’s arrival, the local economy was sluggish and limited. However, with the opening of Minera Panamá, the situation began to change. Economic activity was revitalized, and the town saw an increase in the opening of businesses. Entire families benefited from the room and board system, as many mine workers sought lodging in the area. The community experienced a renaissance, and hope for a prosperous future seemed within reach.

When the mine began to operate, the economic movement became a little more noticeable.

However, on November 28, 2023, the news of the mine’s closure resounded in La Pintada like a thunderclap. The joy and optimism that had characterized the community quickly faded. Houses that had once been full of life and activity now found themselves empty. The impact of the closure was immediate and devastating. Merchants, who had seen an increase in sales thanks to the influx of workers, began to feel the weight of the crisis. Many of them approached Giovani, asking him what had happened, expressing their concern about the lack of sales and the uncertain future they faced. The misinformation surrounding the mining project became a recurring theme in community conversations. Despite the benefits the mine had brought, there was a misperception about the activities taking place at the project. People had preconceived ideas about mining and its environmental impact, but lacked accurate information about how these issues were handled within the mine. Giovani, being part of the Cobre Panama team, knows that the company values the environment and works to minimize its impact. However, lack of communication and misinformation creates a vacuum that affects public perception.

The mine closure not only meant the loss of direct jobs, but also had a ripple effect on the local economy. Many families who depended on the mine for their livelihoods found themselves in a precarious situation. The community, which had experienced growth and development, now faced an alarming decline. Empty houses and closed businesses were a constant reminder of what had been lost. Giovani, observing this, felt compelled to act. He knew it was critical to address misinformation and help people understand the reality of responsible mining. Through his work, he committed himself to being a bridge between the company and the community, looking for ways to educate locals about the sustainable practices being carried out at Cobre Panama. For him, it is essential that people understand that mining can be done ethically and that it is possible to generate employment without compromising the environment.

People have a totally wrong idea of what is done here.

The reactivation of the project would not only mean the recovery of jobs, but also the restoration of the local economy and hope for many families. The situation in La Pintada is a reminder that behind every mine closure there are human lives and entire communities that depend on its operation. The echo of the mine still resonates in La Pintada, and with it, the hope that one day it can reopen and return the community to the prosperity it once enjoyed. Giovani Castellano Castillo’s story is just one of many, but his voice rises in defense of those who have been affected by the closure of Minera Panama. Responsible mining is not just a concept; it is a necessity to ensure that Panamanian communities can prosper without sacrificing their environment.