The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, June 20, edition that a government audit of First Quantum Minerals' Cobre Panama mine found it broadly compliant with environmental, legal and operational obligations, potentially aiding Panama's decision on reopening the major copper mine. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that an independent audit from Panama's Environment Ministry rated the mine 88 per cent, indicating broad compliance but falling short of the top "optimized" rating. The findings mark an important step for the future of Cobre Panama. The audit, however, highlighted weaknesses in reforestation, habitat restoration and biodiversity protection, along with future liabilities related to the tailings facility, water quality, acid drainage, erosion and the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Trade Minister Julio Molto said, "The decision [on the future of the mine] will be based on data, evidence and technical rigor." Cobre Panama called the audit an important step, adding it was confident the report would allow the government to make a "responsible, transparent and informed" decision on the mine. Scotiabank called the results positive in a note to clients, expecting a full restart of the mine.