Concerns over 'dangerous gases' at closed copper mine

A legal dispute over the facility in Panama has caused new environmental fears.

British Broadcasting CorporationWatchHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureTravelEarthVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS ElectionUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessWomen at the HelmFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureTravelEarthVideoLiveAudioWeatherNewslettersConcerns over 'dangerous gases' at closed copper mineGetty ImagesThe Cobre Panamá mine was forced to close in DecemberZorel Morales is worried about 130,000 tonnes of toxic material.

The substance in question is partially processed copper ore, and it has been stuck at a closed copper mine in Panama since the end of last year.

“The chemical reactions that generate dangerous gases, and a rise in the material’s temperatures, pose environmental risks,” says Mr Morales, who is the head of Panama’s Chamber of Mining. He adds that it “threatens the health and safety of staff” still working at the operation.

The substance, called “copper concentrate”, is finely ground copper ore that has been treated to increase its copper content ahead of going on to be exported for smelting into refined copper.

In addition to the danger of the release of toxic sulphur dioxide gas, just being exposed to dust particles from the concentrate can damage a person’s respiratory system. And it is toxic to aquatic life.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9eegzwdl5o

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