Mexico says mine in Sinaloa on track to reopen after labor dispute (updated)

Americas Gold and Silver

15/06/2021 20:11

(Adds comment from company)
    MEXICO CITY, June 15 (Reuters) - Mexico's government said on
Tuesday a mine run by Canadian firm Americas Gold and Silver
Corp  USA.TO  in Cosala in the northern state of Sinaloa is on
track to reopen after a longstanding labor dispute.
    "I've been informed of a decision taken to reopen the mine
in Cosala, Sinaloa. A deal is being reached. It's moving
forward," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters
during a regular government news conference.
    The mine produces silver, lead and zinc, according to the
company's website. 
    The firm, which says it has been subject to extortion and
organized crime and that the San Rafael mine in Cosala has been
the target of an illegal blockade for over a year, said it
welcomed Mexico's commitment to reopening the mine.  urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL1N2LM1DM
    "The company ... remains committed to the community of
Cosala, the company's workers and their families, and stands
ready to bring the workers back to work as soon as possible once
the illegal blockade is removed," it said in a statement.
    Americas Gold and Silver said it looked forward to
re-gaining control of the mine, inspecting the facilities and
recalling all of the workers within a month of possession.  
    "Ultimately, the company must continue to rely on the
authorities in Mexico to ensure this occurs according to desired
timing," the company added.
    On Monday, the Mexican government said health and safety
inspections would be carried out at the mine within the next
three weeks, and that efforts by officials, the company and
workers to allow the site to reopen were continuing.

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Canadian miner meets Mexican officials over labor dispute   
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 (Writing by Dave Graham
Additional reporting by Jeff Lewis in Toronto and Sharay Angulo
in Mexico City; Editing by David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker)
 ((dave.graham@thomsonreuters.com; +52 55 5282 7146; Reuters
Messaging: dave.graham.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))