Background
In June 2024, Vulcan Materials Company rejected the Mexican government’s offer to buy the Calica limestone mine and Punta Venado port in Playa del Carmen, deeming the proposal “substantially undervalued” their assets. The company accused the Mexican government of political threats, abuse of authority, and false allegations to justify converting their lands into a protected natural area.
Current Negotiations
Despite the previous failed attempt by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, current President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that negotiations have resumed with Vulcan Materials Company to purchase not only the mine but also the Punta Venado port.
Purpose of the Negotiations
Sheinbaum Pardo explained during her speech from Palacio Nacional that they are analyzing potential uses for the closed-down, open-sky mine, which was declared a protected natural area by López Obrador due to environmental violations:
- Low-impact tourism
- Assessing the cost of purchasing the land and port or port concession
Previous Attempts and Controversy
López Obrador aimed to reach a purchase agreement for the 2,400 hectares owned by Vulcan Materials in Playa del Carmen through its subsidiary, Calica. The negotiations implied pausing the process of declaring this land a protected natural area to prevent further extractive activities for exporting construction materials to the United States. This eventually led to Calica becoming part of a declared natural reserve shortly before López Obrador’s term ended.
The proposed purchase of the 2,400 hectares was valued at approximately 6,500 million Mexican pesos. Simultaneously, the Mexican government sought to settle an international lawsuit filed by Vulcan Materials against Mexico under the T-MEC, claiming indemnity of 1,900 million USD.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the negotiations? The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is in talks with the U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company.
- What is being negotiated? The purchase of the Calica limestone mine and Punta Venado port.
- Why are they negotiating now? To explore alternative uses for the mine, such as low-impact tourism, and to potentially acquire the port and surrounding land.
- What was the previous controversy? Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador attempted to buy the same land and port, leading to a dispute with Vulcan Materials Company over the proposed purchase price and allegations of environmental violations.
