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Mina Proaño

Coordinates: 23°09′43″N 102°52′23″W / 23.162°N 102.873°W / 23.162; -102.873
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mina Proaño, an underground silver mine located in central Mexico, is one of the world's largest and most profitable silver mines.[citation needed] The mine is located just outside the city of Fresnillo, Zacatecas; and is also known as Mina Fresnillo and Fresnillo Silver Mine. The mining operation is run by Peñoles, which has been controlled by Mexico City-based Grupo BAL since 1967.[1] In 2004, Mina Proaño produced almost 32 million troy ounces (995,000 kg) of silver.

Silver mining activity in the Fresnillo area can be traced back to 1550.[2] As is quite common with long-running large-scale mining operations, especially silver mining, which uses large quantities of cyanide, there have been allegations of mine-related pollution including contamination of water sources, increased illness rates amongst cattle and people, and increased air pollution.[citation needed] This particular mine has obtained ISO 14000 certification of its environmental management processes and equipment, and has received a "Clean Industry Registration" from Mexican authorities. The mining company has also established an "ecological park", which is basically a sanctuary for over a hundred species of mammals, birds and reptiles. This park, established in 2004, was designed as a public area (Parque los Jales) and includes lakes, paths and open areas for physical exercise and relaxation. The park was established on land formerly occupied by a tailings pond.

References

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  1. ^ Fresnillo plc "Our History". Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  2. ^ "Fresnillo | Description, History, Mining, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
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23°09′43″N 102°52′23″W / 23.162°N 102.873°W / 23.162; -102.873