José Elpido Rodriguez – Engineering Supervisor

Since its opening, the Minera Panamá copper mine had become a mainstay of the local economy and a symbol of progress for many Panamanian communities. Among the workers who contributed to its success was José Elpido Rodríguez, an engineering supervisor who had proudly dedicated his efforts to the construction and assembly of the structures that supported the mine’s operation. However, in November 2023, news of the mine’s closure drastically changed the outlook for him and his co-workers.

Before the closure, the mine not only provided employment, but also fostered a sense of belonging and unity among the workers. José recalls with nostalgia the days of sharing laughter and camaraderie with his colleagues, all of whom were Panamanians striving to build a better future for their families. However, the reality became bleak after the closure. The local economy, which had flourished thanks to the mine, began to crumble. Families who depended on the mine’s wages found themselves in a precarious situation, facing the loss of their homes and uncertainty about their future. José, observing the suffering of his fellow workers, realized that the impact of the closure went beyond the economic; it was a devastating blow to the social fabric of the community.

Many Panamanians have lost their homes, jobs or lives due to the closure of this mine.

One of the most tragic stories José shares with us is that of a colleague he had met during a birding tour in 2022. This woman, full of life and dreams, had found a new job after the mine closed, looking for ways to support her family. However, her search for additional income led her into a fatal situation. She was killed while working on a transport platform, a heartbreaking reminder of how lack of opportunity can lead to tragic consequences. For José, the loss of his partner symbolizes the human damage that the mine closure has caused, damage that cannot be measured in economic terms alone.

I am not going to change my values for a company, and here we are doing responsible mining.

José is steadfast in his belief that responsible mining is possible. Throughout his career, he has been involved in environmental groups and has advocated for sustainable practices. His commitment to the environment is not just a façade; it is a principle that guides his daily work. José knows that mining can coexist with environmental protection, and he is determined to prove it. With the mine’s closure, José became an even more passionate advocate for the project’s reactivation. He speaks fervently about the importance of a safe management plan that would allow for the resumption of visits to the mine by outsiders. He firmly believes that if Panamanians could see firsthand how responsible mining is carried out, they might understand that not everything that is said on social networks or in the media is true. The mine, according to him, is not polluting or using the dangerous chemicals that many denounce.

Despite the hardships, José and his fellow workers continue to fight for a better future, not only for themselves, but for their entire community. The loss of jobs and lives is a painful reminder of what is at stake, but it is also a call to action. Responsible mining is not just a possibility; it is a necessity to ensure that Panamanian communities can prosper without sacrificing their environment. José’s commitment to responsible mining and his desire to see his community flourish are examples of how, even in the darkest of times, determination and solidarity can prevail. The fight for the mine’s reactivation is not just a matter of economics; it is a matter of life, dignity and future. The voice of José and many other workers must be heard, not only to remember what has been lost, but to build a path towards a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for all.