The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, Nov. 27, edition that First Quantum Minerals notified its intent to start arbitration against Panama, the country's trade ministry said on Sunday, as its top court mulls annulling what opponents call an unfair copper contract. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that Panama's government approved a contract for First Quantum to operate the copper Cobre Panama mine on Oct. 20, providing a 20-year mining right with an option to extend for another 20 years to the miner, in return for $375-million in annual revenue to Panama. Opponents claim the contract favours the miner too much as the mine represents about 5 per cent of the country's GDP and about 1 per cent of global copper output. Protesters have previously demonstrated over the mine's environmental and economic impacts and allege corrupt practices in its approval. A company spokesman confirmed to Reuters it sent one notification of intent to start arbitration proceedings. Panama's trade ministry said in a statement that First Quantum, the miner's local unit Minera Panama and Franco-Nevada sent two notifications to an international arbitration centre, adding it was ready to defend the country's interests.