By Valentine Hilaire
Feb 17 (Reuters) - Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals
said it may halt operations in Panama on Feb. 23 as it
approaches a "critical point" of copper storage capacity after
the government suspended its loading permissions at a port.
The Vancouver-based company said Panama's maritime authority
halted its loading operations last month over allegations its
scale was improperly calibrated.
"Our team is making all efforts to create additional storage
space, but we have run out of available options," an internal
memo sent to employees Friday and seen by Reuters said,
requesting the government intervene and allow First Quantum's
anchored ship to be loading copper concentrate.
The firm
previously stated
it may run out of capacity next week, but this is the first
time the firm has given a date for halting operations.
First Quantum Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascall said
on an earnings call Wednesday the company could start shipping
immediately after the government gives the green light.
A spokesperson for Panama's maritime authority did not
immediately reply to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Valentine Hilaire; editing by Diane Craft)
