First Quantum CEO looks to Trump to help rescue Panama mine, Semafor reports

First Quantum Minerals (FQVLF) CEO Tristan Pascall is looking to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to help rescue the $10B Cobre Panama mine project in the Panamanian jungle, Semafor’s Tim McDonnell reports. The mine has been shuttered by the government since November 2023 over disputes related to tax rates and other issues, and with Trump looking to take a hawkish stance on China, the world’s top copper consumer, Pascall aims to pitch the Trump administration for its support in reviving the mine before First Quantum pursues arbitration, according to the report. “There’s a huge opportunity for the incoming administration in this space,” Pascall said said. “There’s absolutely a deal for Trump to do on copper that lines up with the strategic interests of the U.S. and of Panama.”