Panama anti-mining protesters clash with police, one killed

Feb 7, 2012, 19:11 GMT

Panama City - A minor was killed in clashes between anti-mining indigenous protesters and police in Panama's western province of Chiriqui, a police spokesman said on Tuesday.

The minor was killed in clashes between protesters and police in the town of Las Lomas in Chiriqui province, police officer Jahiro Polo said.

It was the second death in a week of protests by the country's largest indigenous Ngobe-Bugle group, who last week blocked the Pan-American highway in protest at the government's approval of mines and dams, which they say damage watersheds on their land.

Indians also staged a demonstration outside parliament in Panama City.

In the village of Volcan near the border with Costa Rica, farmers set fire to the police and fire stations, as well as the townhall. At least one policeman was seriously wounded in the attacks.

The government of conservative President Ricardo Martinelli has offered dialogue with indigenous groups to solve the crisis. One protester was killed on Sunday when police removed blockades set up by Indians on the Pan-American highway.

Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino on Monday warned the Ngobe-Bugle against trying to block the highway again. But Indian community leaders have said the protests will continue until their concerns are heard.

Their main concern is the controversial Cerro Colorado mining project in the west of Panama, which is rich in mineral resources. The government wants to relocate many villages in the area to allow Canadian and Korean companies to tap into copper deposits.