Overview
- Federal investigators secured a mercury site in La Plazuela, Peñamiller, and seized mercury, winch equipment and material with explosive traits, with no arrests reported.
- The search began after an anonymous tip that alleged armed men were intimidating residents, a claim officials have not corroborated.
- Querétaro’s government said it has no verified reports of armed groups at the site and stated the state did not join the federal operation.
- PROFEPA confirmed the mine lacked a valid authorization to exploit minerals, and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office kept the property under custody for ongoing inquiries.
- SEMARNAT identifies Peñamiller and nearby towns as hubs for artisanal mercury mining, which heightens environmental and health risks and points to likely tighter enforcement.