A factory in the Monterrey metropolitan area that processes hazardous waste imported from the United States has promised to relocate its “most polluting” operations following a joint investigation by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab. The Zinc Nacional plant, which recycles toxic steel dust sent by the US steel industry and recovers zinc, has been at the center of an ongoing environmental debate, with surrounding communities expressing concerns over heavy-metal pollution.
The investigation revealed evidence of elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in homes, schools, and yards near the plant, including one elementary school that had 1,760 times the US action level for lead dust in its window sills. Soil sampling conducted by a university toxicologist in collaboration with the investigation showed these concerning levels of heavy metals.
In response, Zinc Nacional has now promised to move its most “intensive” operations away from the Monterrey metropolitan area within two years, though the company has not specified the exact relocation site. The company has also pledged to build a large enclosure to contain its materials on the existing site and to plant more trees around its land.
However, some local residents remain skeptical about the company’s promises. Neighbor Ricardo González, a community activist, says the proposal is “completely disconnected from reality,” noting that it fails to address the affected citizens or mention any health or damage reparations.
Eugenio Peña, Zinc Nacional’s director of operations, acknowledged that the relocation plan represents a “monstrous amount of money” for the company, but he insisted that it is a “small step” in solving the Monterrey region’s “complex environmental problem.” The company has disputed the toxicology research that found the heavy metals near its plant, arguing that more samples should have been taken and that the university lab did not have the proper certification.
Mexico’s federal environmental investigation agency, Profepa, is conducting investigations into Zinc Nacional on several fronts, including air and soil testing. The agency has declined to renew the company’s “clean industry” certificate and announced an audit of the environmental consultants the company hired to obtain it.
The ongoing saga highlights the complex environmental challenges facing communities in Monterrey, where industrial activities have long been a source of concern. As Zinc Nacional prepares to relocate its operations, local residents and authorities will be closely watching to ensure that the company follows through on its promises and that the affected communities receive the support and remediation they deserve.
