Vulcan Materials Suffers Unlawful Takeover of Its Port Terminal in Southern Mexico
In recent news, U.S. construction materials company Vulcan Materials has experienced a significant setback as its port terminal in southern Mexico has been unlawfully taken over by Mexican security forces. The unexpected incident occurred last week at the company’s Sac Tun quarry, located approximately 10 km from Playa del Carmen. This unfortunate event comes after a 5-year-long legal battle over Vulcan’s nearby limestone mining activities.
Vulcan has been fighting a legal battle with the Mexican government over its concessions, which was punctuated by sharp criticism from the country’s president last year. The company markets crushed stone, sand and gravel as well as asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. However, the government had shut down its operations last May over concerns of harmful impacts of underwater limestone mining on the local environment and water table, which President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had described as an “ecological catastrophe.”
According to Vulcan Materials, workers from Mexican cement company Cemex reportedly accompanied the security forces during the illegal takeover of their port terminal. This development is quite shocking, and Vulcan has expressed its complete surprise and disappointment with Cemex and the Mexican government entities that supported such a reckless and reprehensible armed seizure of their private property.
The company has asserted that the government’s decision to shut down its operations last year was also illegal, and it declined to say how last week’s action was illegal, or who is currently in control of its terminal.
This development is highly concerning, and it has significant impacts on important U.S. infrastructure and energy projects in the region. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt has referred to the incident as a “militarized seizure,” and she voiced her strong objections to this occurrence.
In conclusion, this unfortunate incident raises serious concerns about the rule of law and property rights in Mexico. Vulcan Materials has been fighting an extended legal battle in Mexico over its limestone mining activities, which it claims is being carried out responsibly and sustainably. This situation is highly distressing for the company, and it underscores the importance of a stable, predictable legal framework for businesses in Mexico.#firm #Mexican #authorities #illegally #seized #port #terminal #Reuters
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