Rio Sonora communities demand action 12 years after toxic mining spill

Twelve years after the toxic copper sulfate spill at the Buenavista del Cobre mine, communities along the Sonora and Bacanuchi rivers continue to demand medical attention and environmental transparency. The 2014 disaster, involving Grupo México, impacted approximately 22,000 people across eight municipalities, including Cananea, Arizpe, and Ures.

In response to ongoing health concerns and calls for justice, the Mexican federal and state governments have launched an integral mitigation plan. The strategy focuses on three main pillars: public health, potable water access, and environmental restoration. Key components include the construction of a specialized hospital in Ures—equipped with 60 beds and a heavy metal laboratory—and the installation of 16 new water treatment plants.

A fund of 1.5 billion pesos, negotiated with the responsible company, will finance these initiatives. While authorities aim to reduce soil and sediment contaminant levels, residents in communities like San José de Gracia report that health issues persist and emphasize the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance and accessible medical services.