Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals has opened a voluntary retirement (VR) scheme to workers at the Cobre Panama mine, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as the company waits for a government decision on re-opening the facility.

First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FM,OTC Pink:FQVLF) has introduced a voluntary retirement scheme for employees at its Cobre Panama mine as it awaits government action on whether operations will be able to resume.

The voluntary retirement scheme could lead to a notable reduction in workforce, potentially extending Cobre Panama's restart time.

First Quantum Minerals (OTCPK:FQVLF) has opened a voluntary retirement scheme to workers at the Cobre Panama mine, Reuters reported late Monday, as the company waits for a government decision on restarting the operation.