Panama

Panama has a long and rich mining history since the Spanish colonial era. Gold was first discovered in the region back in the 1500s, leading to the establishment of prominent mining centers like Santa Maria and Porto Bello. During this period, Panama became one of the primary suppliers of gold and silver to the Spanish Empire.

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In the 20th century, the mining industry in Panama expanded to include other minerals such as copper, lead, zinc, and manganese. Major mining projects were established in various parts of the country, including the Mina Chorcha copper mine and the Santa Rosa and Loma de Niquel nickel mines. In 2018, the country inaugurated the Cobre Panama mine, one of the largest copper mines in the world, which has significantly boosted the country's mining output. Today, mining remains an important sector of Panama's economy, providing significant employment opportunities and contributing to the country's economic growth.