First Quantum Takes Small Steps in Long Road to Panama Restart

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.is receiving some encouraging signs for its shuttered mine in Panama, though the nation’s president warned there’s a long way to go before reaching a deal to restart.

The Canadian company has begun preparations to ship out 120,000 metric tons of semi-processed copper stranded since the mine shut in late 2023, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Franco-Nevada Corp., which has a supply agreement for metals from the mine, agreed to halt its arbitration case against Panama — another small step forward given dropping such action was a government prerequisite for negotiations. President ...