Operations at the zinc-copper-silver mine were halted in 2007 due to a
conflict between unions. However, in February this year, in what the
company deems a "peaceful election process," the National Federation of
Independent Unions took over the duties of representing mine workers in
substitution of section 201 of the Mining Union.
Looking at the numbers provided by Industrial Minera México, Grupo
Mexico`s subsidiary in charge of San Martín, the provincial officer said
he was optimistic about the future of his home state.
In Tello`s view, Zacatecas will greatly benefit from the $500 million
that the mine is expected to generate over the next decade.
The governor said that the reopening of the mine is a "historic
event," as it should create 3,600 direct and indirect jobs. Some $12.5
million are expected to be paid in wages every year.
He said that his government wants to join forces with investors and
labourers. "Only by working together, we will be able to achieve common
wellbeing," he said.
According to Grupo México, the San Martín mine hosts 17 million tonnes of zinc, silver, lead, copper, and gold.
Following the decade-long stoppage, the company needs to invest some $77 million to get the mine up and going.