First Quantum Minerals’ (TSX: FM) hopes of restarting its halted Cobre Panamá copper mine received a boost this week as government officials met workers and suppliers while weighing the giant operation’s future. Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó toured the Donoso, Omar Torrijos Herrera and La Pintada regions to meet mine workers, local authorities and suppliers, with their proposals to be considered by the government’s interministerial commission reviewing the halted mine’s future. First Quantum estimates Cobre Panamá would require about 6,000 workers at full operation, and the company has identified hiring and training specialized employees as a potential constraint.