Legal sociology in strengthening the regulatory framework of metallic mining in Panama
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37387/ipc.v14i3.450Keywords:
Legal sociology, Metallic mining, Panama, Regulatory framework, Environmental justice, Citizen participation, Institutional capacityAbstract
Metallic mining in Panama faces a crossroads between the push for extraction and social demands for sustainability and justice. This article critically analyzes the current Panamanian regulatory framework on metallic mining from a legal-sociological perspective, integrating theoretical approaches and recent empirical findings. It discusses the deficiencies of the 1963 Mineral Resources Code, including weak institutions, limited citizen participation, and the lack of socio-environmental considerations. Survey and interview results are presented, showing eroded social legitimacy: most citizens distrust the current mining model, though they would be more willing to accept it under stronger and more transparent laws. Metallic mining in Panama is undergoing a stage of legal, institutional, and social redefinition following Law 406 of October 20, 2023, the Supreme Court ruling of November 27, 2023 declaring that law unconstitutional, and Law 407 of November 3, 2023, which prohibited the granting of new concessions for the exploration, extraction, transportation, and processing of metallic mining exploitation throughout the national territory. In light of theoretical contributions by Luhmann, Carbonell, De Sousa Santos, Ferrajoli, among others, institutional, legal, and social challenges for reforming the mining regime are identified. Finally, reforms are proposed guided by principles of environmental justice, citizen participation, and institutional strengthening, aiming to achieve a legitimate, effective, and sustainable mining legal framework aligned with democratic environmental governance in Panama.
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