Profepa closes illegal mining and land‑use projects in Puebla and Querétaro

Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) temporarily sealed illegal activities in two protected areas. In the Peña Colorada Natural Protected Area in Querétaro, inspectors found unauthorized removal of vegetation on 88,048 m², six garden parcels and four access roads built without SEMARNAT authorization. Profepa imposed a total closure, placed nine official seals and issued two administrative acts for the illegal land‑use change and related environmental impact violations.

In Zacatlán, Puebla, Profepa ordered a provisional shutdown of an illegal feldspar mine at El Ranchito after detecting illegal forest clearing. The operation was carried out with state forest police and Navy personnel following community complaints. The agency highlighted that the mining work lacked the required environmental impact permit and warned that such activities constitute a federal crime. Profepa pledged continued monitoring, community consultations and increased patrols to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems.