Mine Inspections Have Increased Since 2018: Ministry of Labor

The Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Luisa Alcalde, stated that inspections in mines have significantly increased since the López Obrador administration took office in 2018. This statement comes a month after a collapse of a coal mine in Sabinas, Coahuila, which led to criticism about the conditions of coal deposits as well as the lack of appropriate inspections carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS).

Alcalde assured that since 2018, the inspections of mining projects have significantly increased, especially in the coal region of Sabinas, Coahuila. Furthermore, she highlighted that the number of sanctions has also risen, in line with the federal government's mission against corruption and impunity. “Over 40 percent of the inspections we conduct take place in the coal region of Sabinas, Coahuila. We have already issued 27 suspensions and applied over 3,000 corrective measures. Furthermore, we have applied sanctions like never before, as well as pressing criminal charges and complaints at the Ministry of Economy (SE) to suspend concessions,” Alcalde said.

She added that STPS has a representative office in Sabinas with 14 specialized inspectors. Regarding the mine collapse, she said the ministry is currently following up on an open investigation file and three arrest warrants. In addition, the government is working closely with the Attorney's Office to arrest those responsible for non-compliance and accidents and set a precedent for future cases.

Contrary to what Alcalde said, both industry insiders and union leaders expressed concern regarding the lack of strictness in inspections carried out at coal mining operations by STPS officers. 

According to Alcalde, the government inspired some fear in the private sector, which believed the president to be somewhat against the mining industry. In addition, the creation of new unions could result in strikes, protests and conflicts. Nevertheless, after four years of government, the federal government proved the contrary, as companies have begun to respect different points of view and work with outside organizations. Consequently, the government has registered only five international complaints, and none have escalated to international disputes.

Alcalde mentioned that the creation of labor justice centers has positively impacted the resolution of labor disputes. She said that over 75 percent of labor disputes are resolved in these centers, where workers and companies reach agreements in about a month and a half. Heretofore, this was not possible in courts and conciliation centers.