Federal officials held a meeting with communities affected by a 2014 mining spill in neighboring Sonora, considered the worst in Mexican history. But many want a greater role in the remediation process.
It’s been more than seven years since Grupo Mexico’s Buenavista Copper mine spilled more than 10 million gallons of toxic waste into the Rio Sonora.
Environmental officials visited communities downstream from the mine last week to provide water testing results for wells contaminated by the spill.
But while many say they’re glad government leaders are finally responding to their concerns, they want a more active role in the decision-making process.
"Participation means making decisions," said Francisca Garcia, a member of the Rio Sonora Watershed Committees that have pushed for accountability from the government and mining company. "We're grateful that there is more information sharing. But that's not enough. We want to be in the room with federal and state officials, with Grupo Mexico, and we want to give our perspective."
She said those affected by the spill should have a say in how remediation efforts are carried out and paid for. And they want want concrete plans, with timelines and budgets, for long-demanded actions like relocating contaminated wells and building a medical clinic.
The Rio Sonora Watershed Committees have released a document detailing seven steps they believe must be met to provide justice for people living downstream for the mine. They include participation in decision making, access to clean water and health care, transparency from the government and holding Grupo Mexico responsible for damage caused by its mine.
