SEGOB Launches Cananea Justice Plan with MX$2.2 Billion Fund

Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez announced the formal conclusion of the 18-year strike at the Cananea mine and the implementation of a comprehensive remediation plan for the Rio Sonora region. The resolution involves a joint financial fund totaling MX$2.22 billion, composed of contributions from Grupo México, the federal government, and the government of Sonora.

According to Rodríguez, the funding structure assigns 70.14% of the contribution to Grupo México, which will provide MX$1.5 billion (US$83.6 million) in fresh funds plus MX$59 million previously deposited with the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Board between 2018 and 2019. The federal government contributed MX$483.6 million, representing 21.7%, while the state of Sonora allocated MX$180 million, representing 8%.

The resources are designated for direct payments to workers and widows, as well as environmental and health infrastructure. The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) will oversee the construction of 16 water treatment plants, the rehabilitation of existing facilities, and the equipping of a regional water quality laboratory with monitoring stations along the Sonora River.

Regarding health infrastructure, IMSS-Bienestar will manage the construction of the Regional Ures Hospital. The facility will feature 60 beds, 21 specialty consulting rooms, a renal health center, and a laboratory specialized in heavy metals and toxicology.

Rodríguez noted that the negotiations align with the Justice Plan for Cananea initiated in July 2021, and followed instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum to resolve the labor dispute and address environmental liabilities in coordination with Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo and federal agencies, including the SEMARNAT and the Ministry of Labor and Social Provision (STPS). 

Cananea Strike 

On Dec. 19, 2025, MBN reported that the labor conflict at the Cananea mine officially ended after nearly two decades. Miners from Section 65 of Mexico’s National Miners’ Union unanimously approved a final agreement that provides compensation, social security access, and pensions for over 650 workers and their families.

The conflict, which began on July 30, 2007, over labor and safety conditions at the Grupo México-operated mine, resulted in prolonged economic strain and legal challenges. Union records indicate that at least 52 workers died during the dispute.

The approved agreement focuses on five key components: a severance package respecting the original collective bargaining agreement, enrollment of workers and families IMSS, access to pension schemes under the 1973 and 1997 laws, benefits for widows of deceased miners, and the option for miners to return to work.

Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, Secretary General, National Union of Mine, Metal, Steel, and Allied Workers, stated that the outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of collective unity, declaring, "Cananea resisted and won." He noted that the union continues to seek resolutions for ongoing strikes in Taxco, Guerrero, and Sombrerete, Zacatecas.