Overview
- Profepa ordered the temporary closure of five specific areas at the Los Filos/El Bermejal operation near Carrizalillo, saying access will resume only after required measures are fulfilled and verified.
- Cited issues include underground workings exceeding authorized limits, stability problems at two waste deposits, a heap leach pad lacking animal barriers with liquid accumulation risks, and concerns about tailings piles dispersing.
- The action follows inspections that began in late May in response to community complaints about environmental damage.
- Equinox Gold said on October 17 it received temporary closure notices for certain areas, is cooperating fully with Profepa, and is reviewing the ordered measures.
- The mine has been under care and maintenance since April 1 after the Carrizalillo access agreement expired, with long-term land contracts renewed in Mezcala and Xochipala and limited technical and exploration work continuing where permitted.