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🇵🇦 Panama /Energy & Infrastructure

Panama hires law firm for $4.35 million in Orla Mining arbitration

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Panama's Cabinet Council has authorized hiring an external legal firm, Wordstone Dispute Resolution, for $4.35 million to represent the state in an international arbitration case with Canadian mining company Orla Mining Ltd.
  • The arbitration, filed under the Panama-Canada Free Trade Agreement, concerns Orla Mining's claim for $400 million in compensation after Panama canceled concessions for the Cerro Quema gold project.
  • The government is formalizing its relationship with Wordstone Dispute Resolution, which has represented Panama in the case since April 2025, citing the firm's expertise in international investment arbitration, particularly in the mining sector.

Panama's government has formally authorized the hiring of an international law firm for a significant sum to defend the state in a major arbitration case brought by Canadian miner Orla Mining Ltd. The Cabinet Council approved a contract with Wordstone Dispute Resolution for up to $4.35 million in professional fees.

This legal battle stems from Orla Mining's claim for $400 million in compensation. The dispute arose after Panama canceled concessions for the Cerro Quema gold project in Los Santos. The company initiated the arbitration proceedings on July 3, 2024, under the framework of the free trade agreement between Panama and Canada.

The government is formalizing its engagement with Wordstone Dispute Resolution, a firm that has already been representing Panama in this case since April 2025. The decision, detailed in a July 7, 2026, Cabinet Resolution, cites the firm's specialized expertise in international investment arbitration, especially within the mining industry, as justification for the exceptional hiring procedure. The resolution also notes that the Ministry of Economy and Finance has supported this exceptional procedure, deeming the firm uniquely qualified for the state's defense.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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