Background on Zinc Nacional and its Environmental Impact
Zinc Nacional, a prominent company in San Nicolás de los Garza, has been under scrutiny due to its environmental impact. The company’s operations have raised concerns regarding pollution levels, particularly in the Monterrey metropolitan area. The company’s activities have been linked to air and water contamination, exacerbating the existing environmental issues in the region.
Growing Environmental Concerns in Monterrey
In recent years, the Monterrey metropolitan area has experienced a surge in environmental degradation. Factors contributing to this issue include the neglected maintenance of the Cadereyta refinery, quarry activities, over 2 million vehicles operating within the metropolitan area, and significant industries affecting air and water quality.
Zinc Nacional’s Response to Environmental Concerns
Following a provisional amparo suspension obtained by Zinc Nacional against a total furnace suspension order from the State Environmental Prosecutor’s Office (PEMA) due to allegedly high levels of hazardous waste, the company committed to controlling contaminant emissions. The transition aims to move high-intensity operational stages outside the metropolitan area by December 31, 2026.
Commitments by Zinc Nacional
- Relocate receiving and treating subproducts of steelmaking processes outside the metropolitan area by December 31, 2026.
- Implement adjustments and improvements in the San Nicolás de los Garza plant, including constructing over 1,500 square meters of new infrastructure and installing emission control systems.
- Contribute to the reforestation of green areas in San Nicolás de los Garza.
Media Attention on Zinc Nacional
Although multiple environmental issues plague the Monterrey metropolitan area, Zinc Nacional’s case has garnered significant media attention. In March 2023, The Guardian, in collaboration with Martín Soto (UNAM toxicologist) and Quinto Elemento Lab, published an investigation into Zinc Nacional’s San Nicolás de los Garza plant.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed the presence of hundreds of ammonia-filled bags around Zinc Nacional’s factory, which “recycles toxic waste imported from the United States.” Quinto Elemento Lab, a research lab, highlighted Zinc Nacional’s role as one of the primary importers of steel waste and recyclers of steel dust.
Toxicologist’s Findings
In 2023, Martín Soto Jiménez, a toxicologist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), conducted sampling in neighboring colonias around Zinc Nacional’s plant. The tests detected high levels of contaminating dust, raising further concerns about the company’s environmental impact.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Zinc Nacional’s response to environmental concerns? Zinc Nacional obtained a provisional amparo suspension against a total furnace suspension order from the State Environmental Prosecutor’s Office (PEMA). The company committed to controlling contaminant emissions by moving high-intensity operational stages outside the metropolitan area by December 31, 2026.
- What are the commitments made by Zinc Nacional? Zinc Nacional committed to relocating subproducts’ receiving and treating processes outside the metropolitan area, implementing adjustments and improvements in its San Nicolás de los Garza plant, and contributing to reforestation efforts.
- Why is Zinc Nacional’s case receiving significant media attention? Despite multiple environmental issues in the Monterrey metropolitan area, Zinc Nacional’s case gained attention following an investigation by The Guardian, Martín Soto (UNAM toxicologist), and Quinto Elemento Lab. The investigation revealed high levels of contaminating dust around the plant, highlighting Zinc Nacional’s role in air pollution.
