Background and Relevance
Calica, a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials, was once a significant stone materials bank in Mexico. However, following a closure by Semarnat three years ago and its designation as a protected natural area, the site’s future is uncertain. The absence of federal forces has led to the disappearance of exposed gravel in the mine, which locals have used for their constructions.
Who is Vulcan Materials?
Vulcan Materials is a leading producer of construction materials in the United States and Canada. Its Mexican subsidiary, Calica, played a crucial role in supplying stone materials for various projects. The recent developments have significant implications for the company’s operations and future investments in Mexico.
Current State of Calica
The once-thriving stone materials bank now faces severe challenges. The lack of federal protection has resulted in the disappearance of exposed gravel, which was intended for use in the Tren Maya project. Punta Venado, the port where gravel was shipped to the United States, now hosts larger vessels under the watchful eye of the Mexican Navy.
La Rosita and Other Properties
La Rosita was Calica’s first property, exploited nearly 40 years ago. The access point with private security can be easily bypassed, but no one ventures into the closed-off properties, including El Corcholatito and La Adelita, where Vulcan abandoned further exploitation following Mexican government claims for the return of limestone deposits.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Battles
Since 2018, the federal government has documented severe and irreversible environmental damage, including harm to mangroves and contamination of aquifers. Despite efforts by then-Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, and U.S. congressional reclamations, no agreement has been reached between Tom Hill and Adán Augusto López Hernández.
Semarnat and Profepa’s Intervention
Semarnat and Profepa ordered the complete cessation of extractive activities at La Rosita due to groundwater extraction below the water table, causing damage to the Yucatan Peninsula’s subterranean river system.
Protected Natural Areas
By August 2023, a “friendly agreement” seemed unlikely. Then-Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources María Luisa Albores included Calica’s 2,000 hectares in the declaration of new protected natural areas. In 2024, over 50,000 hectares, including Calica’s lands, were designated as an Area Natural Protegida, prohibiting any future mining activities.
Recent Legal Developments
The Seventh District Court in Quintana Roo definitively denied Vulcan Materials’ subsidiary’s amparo request. The ruling confirms the total cessation of mining activities at La Rosita, considering it a completed action under Mexican law. It also states that the company cannot resume operations and must comply with corrective measures and environmental damage reparation.
Government Response
As of now, there has been no official public statement from the Quintana Roo state government or the Economy Secretariat’s representation regarding the legal and environmental conflict.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Calica? The once-thriving stone materials bank now faces severe challenges due to environmental concerns and legal battles, with over 50,000 hectares designated as an Area Natural Protegida, prohibiting any future mining activities.
- Who is Vulcan Materials, and why is this relevant? Vulcan Materials is a leading producer of construction materials in the U.S. and Canada. Its Mexican subsidiary, Calica, played a crucial role in supplying stone materials for various projects. Recent developments have significant implications for the company’s operations and future investments in Mexico.
- What legal actions have been taken? Despite various efforts, including those by then-Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and U.S. congressional reclamations, no agreement has been reached between the parties involved. The Seventh District Court in Quintana Roo definitively denied Vulcan Materials’ subsidiary’s amparo request, confirming the total cessation of mining activities at La Rosita.
