Mexico’s president visits Sonora to oversee ‘justice plan’ in mining town

By Kendal Blust
Published: Thursday, November 11, 2021 - 2:36pm

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Cananea
Murphy Woodhouse/KJZZ
The architecture in Cananea is more akin to Arizona mining towns like Bisbee or Jerome than other Mexican cities.

Mexico’s president traveled to neighboring Sonora Thursday to oversee the progress of what he calls his “justice plan” for the mining community of Cananea.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s visit is meant to discuss progress on his Justice for Cananea plan announced in July.

It includes efforts to repair environmental damage, improve water and health infrastructure, and resolve labor conflicts at the massive Buenavista del Cobre mine owned by Grupo México. It’s also supposed to address ongoing harms caused by the 2014 mining spill that sent millions of gallons of toxic waste into two major rivers, impacting upwards of 22,000 people living downstream.

The president is expected to meet with local residents and hold a press conference where he will present the plan's accomplishments thus far.

Buenavista del Cobre
Murphy Woodhouse/KJZZ
The Buenavista del Cobre copper mine is right outside Cananea, Sonora.

Fronteras Sonora Social Justice