Miners hit by blockades in Mexico’s Guerrero state

Two mining companies have been impacted by roadblocks in Mexico’s Guerrero state.

LOS FILOS

Vancouver-based Equinox Gold halted activities at its Los Filos gold mine in Mexico due to a roadblock.

Members of the nearby Carrizalillo community blocked the road on Thursday, claiming a social collaboration agreement signed in 2019 has not been complied with.

“The mine remains staffed with a reduced workforce to maintain appropriate safety, security and environmental systems,” the company said in a release.

“Equinox Gold is in active discussions with the Carrizalillo community leaders to resolve the issues.”

MINERA CAPELA

The announcement comes about two weeks after local press reported a suspension of Industrias Peñoles’ Minera Capela zinc, lead, silver and copper mine.

The suspension followed a blockade of the federal Iguala-Teloloapan highway by criminal group Guerreros Unidos, which was demanding government intervention to halt the advance of a rival gang, Proceso reported.

Peñoles has not confirmed its operation was affected.

The roadblocks are a reminder of the security and community relations challenges faced by miners in Mexico, and particularly in Guerrero state, where a number of criminal groups are vying for control.

Last year, Newmont was hit by two blockades at its Peñasquito precious metals mine in Zacatecas state, one of the country’s biggest gold, silver, lead and zinc producers.