First Quantum seeks to speed up Peru projects after Panama debacle

Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals, which lost the right to operate its copper mine in Panama last year following protests by environmental groups and a court ruling deeming its contract void, is seeking to speed its copper projects in Peru, a company executive said on Wednesday.

One of the three largest global copper producers, First Quantum in Peru controls the La Granja project, worth at least $2.5-billion, and the $1.86-billion Haquira project.

"These are projects that need to be accelerated," said the mining company's project development director, Steven Lewis, during a speech at a mining forum in Lima.