Radio Mundo Real

On August 7th, 40,000 cubic liters of sulfuric acid from Buenavista copper mine were spilled in Sonora State, Mexico.

The spill polluted Bacuachi and Sonora rivers, both part of the Sonora River basin, affecting six municipalities and their population. The spill could have severe health and environmental impacts in the region, to the point that the authorities have warned the population about the risk of using water from the river and its tributaries both for human consumption and for farming activities.

So far, the authorities have shown complicity with Grupo Mexico, owner of the mining plant that caused the spill. The residents of the area remember at least five other spills of the tailing dams, although this one is considered the most serious one due to the amount of chemicals spilled in the river. In all the previous cases, the mining company has concealed information and they have not paid compensations for the damages.

This time, the fine issued against the company is not adequate because it does not cover the damages caused by the spill

Real World Radio’s correspondent in Mexico, Monica Montalvo, interviewed Jorge Tadeo Vargas, member of Revuelta Verde, to know about the causes and consequences of the spill.