Porphyry copper deposit, discovered in 1932.
Located 40km NE of David.

The most recent historical mineral resource estimate, made by Kvaerner Metals (1998) for PanaCobre, contains 1,754.7 Mt at 0.637% Cu (11.2 Mt or 25 Blb contained copper) at 0.4% Cu cut-off (measured + indicated + inferred resource), including 149 Mt at 0.69% Cu in the supergene zone. It is a single deposit with dimensions of the mineralization of 1,800 m E-W by 1,300 m N-S, with a known vertical extent of over 1,000 m. The majority of the resource is primary but there is a leached cap up to 90 m thick, underlain by a secondary copper enrichment blanket 40 to 150 m thick. It is hosted by a porphyry stock which cuts andesitic to dacitic volcanic rocks of Oligocene to Miocene age.

Select Mineral List Type

Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Commodity List

This is a list of exploitable or exploited mineral commodities recorded at this locality.

Mineral List

20 valid minerals.

Rock Types Recorded

Select Rock List Type

Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Anhydrite

Formula: CaSO₄

References:

Gray, F., Hammarstrom, J.M., Ludington, S., Zürcher, L., Nelson, C.E., Robinson, G.R., Jr., Miller, R.J., and Moring, B.C., 2014, Porphyry copper assessment of Central America and the Caribbean Basin: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5090–I, 81 p.

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

Redwood, Stewart D. (2020) The mineral deposits of Panama: Arc metallogenesis on the trailing edge of the Caribbean large igneous province. Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, 72 (3) doi:10.18268/bsgm2020v72n3a130220

ⓘ Baryte

Formula: BaSO₄

References:

ⓘ 'Biotite'

Formula: K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Bornite

Formula: Cu₅FeS₄

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Calcite

Formula: CaCO₃

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Chalcocite

Formula: Cu₂S

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Chalcopyrite

Formula: CuFeS₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ 'Chlorite Group'

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Covellite

Formula: CuS

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Digenite

Formula: Cu₉S₅

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Epidote

Formula: (CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Goethite

Formula: Fe³⁺O(OH)

References:

ⓘ Gypsum

Formula: CaSO₄ · 2H₂O

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Kaolinite

Formula: Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Magnetite

Formula: Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄

References:

ⓘ Molybdenite

Formula: MoS₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Muscovite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite

Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Native Copper ?

Formula: Cu

ⓘ Pyrite

Formula: FeS₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Pyrophyllite

Formula: Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂

References:

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

ⓘ Quartz

Formula: SiO₂

References:

ⓘ Sphalerite

Formula: ZnS

References:

ⓘ 'Tetrahedrite Group'

Formula: ^M2(A₆)^M1(B₄ C₂)^X3(D₄)^S1(Y₁₂)^S2(Z)

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 1 - Elements
ⓘ	Native Copper ?	1.AA.05	Cu
Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Chalcocite	2.BA.05	Cu₂S
ⓘ	Digenite	2.BA.10	Cu₉S₅
ⓘ	Bornite	2.BA.15	Cu₅FeS₄
ⓘ	Covellite	2.CA.05a	CuS
ⓘ	Sphalerite	2.CB.05a	ZnS
ⓘ	Chalcopyrite	2.CB.10a	CuFeS₂
ⓘ	Molybdenite	2.EA.30	MoS₂
ⓘ	Pyrite	2.EB.05a	FeS₂
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Magnetite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Quartz	4.DA.05	SiO₂
ⓘ	Goethite	4.FD.10	Fe³⁺O(OH)
Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates
ⓘ	Calcite	5.AB.05	CaCO₃
Group 7 - Sulphates, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
ⓘ	Anhydrite	7.AD.30	CaSO₄
ⓘ	Baryte	7.AD.35	BaSO₄
ⓘ	Gypsum	7.CD.40	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Epidote	9.BG.05a	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
ⓘ	Pyrophyllite	9.EC.10	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
ⓘ	Muscovite	9.EC.15	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
ⓘ	var. Sericite	9.EC.15	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
ⓘ	Kaolinite	9.ED.05	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Biotite'	-	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
ⓘ	'Chlorite Group'	-
ⓘ	'Tetrahedrite Group'	-	^M2(A₆)^M1(B₄ C₂)^X3(D₄)^S1(Y₁₂)^S2(Z)

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
H	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
H	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
H	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
H	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
H	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
H	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
C	Carbon
C	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
O	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄
O	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
O	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
O	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
O	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
O	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
O	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
O	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
O	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
O	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
F	Fluorine
F	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Mg	Magnesium
Mg	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Al	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Al	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Al	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Al	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
Al	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Si	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Si	ⓘ Kaolinite	Al₂(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Si	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Pyrophyllite	Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
Si	ⓘ Quartz	SiO₂
Si	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
S	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄
S	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
S	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
S	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
S	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
S	ⓘ Digenite	Cu₉S₅
S	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
S	ⓘ Molybdenite	MoS₂
S	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
S	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
S	ⓘ Tetrahedrite Group	^M2(A₆)^M1(B₄ C₂)^X3(D₄)^S1(Y₁₂)^S2(Z)
K	Potassium
K	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
K	ⓘ Muscovite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
K	ⓘ Muscovite var. Sericite	KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Anhydrite	CaSO₄
Ca	ⓘ Calcite	CaCO₃
Ca	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Ca	ⓘ Gypsum	CaSO₄ · 2H₂O
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Biotite	K(Fe²⁺/Mg)₂(Al/Fe³⁺/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]₂Si₂O₁₀)(OH/F)₂
Fe	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
Fe	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Fe	ⓘ Epidote	(CaCa)(AlAlFe³⁺)O[Si₂O₇][SiO₄](OH)
Fe	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
Fe	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Pyrite	FeS₂
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Bornite	Cu₅FeS₄
Cu	ⓘ Chalcopyrite	CuFeS₂
Cu	ⓘ Chalcocite	Cu₂S
Cu	ⓘ Covellite	CuS
Cu	ⓘ Native Copper	Cu
Cu	ⓘ Digenite	Cu₉S₅
Zn	Zinc
Zn	ⓘ Sphalerite	ZnS
Mo	Molybdenum
Mo	ⓘ Molybdenite	MoS₂
Ba	Barium
Ba	ⓘ Baryte	BaSO₄

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

Central AmericaRegion

North America

Central AmericaSubregion

North America Plate

Chorotega Volcanic ArcAccretionary Complex

Panama PlateTectonic Plate

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

Clark, A. H., Farrar, E., Kents, P. (1977) Potassium-argon age of the Cerro Colorado porphyry copper deposit, Panama. Economic Geology, 72 (6) 1154-1158 doi:10.2113/gsecongeo.72.6.1154

Issigonis, M.J. (1982) 2 Stages of Alteration and Cu-MO Mineralization at Cerro Colorado, Panama. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy Section B-applied Earth Science, 91(NOV), B219-B223.

Singer, D.A., Berger, V.I., Moring, B.C. (2008) Porphyry copper deposits of the world: Database and grade and tonnage models, 2008. Open-File Report 2008-1155

Gray, F., Hammarstrom, J.M., Ludington, S., Zürcher, L., Nelson, C.E., Robinson, G.R., Jr., Miller, R.J., and Moring, B.C. (2014) Porphyry copper assessment of Central America and the Caribbean Basin: United States Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5090–I, 81 pp.

[1]Redwood, Stewart D. (2020) The mineral deposits of Panama: Arc metallogenesis on the trailing edge of the Caribbean large igneous province. Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, 72 (3) doi:10.18268/bsgm2020v72n3a130220

Quick NavTop Commodities Mineral List Rock Types Other Regions References

Mindat.org® is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Mindat® and mindat.org® are registered trademarks of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2026, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau.
Content on this site may not be used to train, fine-tune, or otherwise develop artificial intelligence or machine learning models without prior written permission - see our Terms & Conditions.
To cite: Ralph, J., Von Bargen, D., Martynov, P., Zhang, J., Que, X., Prabhu, A., Morrison, S. M., Li, W., Chen, W., & Ma, X. (2025). Mindat.org: The open access mineralogy database to accelerate data-intensive geoscience research. American Mineralogist, 110(6), 833–844. doi:10.2138/am-2024-9486.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: August 26, 2026 23:22:22 Page updated: August 5, 2026 14:43:11

Go to top of page

Cerro Colorado Mine, Ngäbe Buglé Comarca, PanamaiRegional Level TypesCerro Colorado MineMine Ngäbe Buglé ComarcaRegion PanamaCountry function showexplain() { $("#locexplain").toggle(); if (typeof movemap === "function") movemap(); }

Select Mineral List Type

Commodity List

Mineral List

Rock Types Recorded

Select Rock List Type

Detailed Mineral List:

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

List of minerals for each chemical element

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References

Cerro Colorado Mine, Ngäbe Buglé Comarca, Panama i
Regional Level Types
Cerro Colorado Mine Mine
Ngäbe Buglé Comarca Region
Panama Country