A  1997 mining concession contract between the  Panama State and the Minera Petaquilla company has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court 10 years after the action was presented.

The unconstitutionality action was presented by the  Ambiental Advocacy Center (CIAM), for violating several articles of the National Constitution related to human rights and the conservation of the environment.

The contract dating from 21 years ago led  to the creation of Petaquilla Gold, which was canceled by the State, as well as Minera Panamá that operates in Donoso, Colon.

Sonia Montenegro, executive director of CIAM said "We regret that the decision is late, but believe that it is an environmental achievement for the country