Reprinnted from ahuehuete.org
Zacatecas, derived from the Nahuatl language, poetically signifies 'where there is abundant grass.' Paradoxically, this etymology, steeped in a verdant past, is at odds with the present landscape.
Of Mines and Misery: Arid Agony in Zacatecas
by taller ahuehuete
✎ 3 minutes
Gold Glitters, Workers Withhold
In the 16th century, the expanse of land representing the modern Mexican nation-state emerged as a pivotal source of wealth for the Spanish Empire. This newfound affluence owed its existence to the copious reservoirs of precious minerals and a new, readily exploitable labor force.
Initially, the originary residents of Zacatecas resisted the presence of the foreign invaders. Nevertheless, the promise of unparalleled mining prospects spurred the conquistadors to redouble their attacks, culminating in the ultimate defeat of the indigenous population in the 1540s.
Over the years, the Peñasquito mine, nestled in the heart of Zacatecas, became emblematic of unbridled capitalist expansion for this north-central region. As a testament to its significance, in 2022 alone, Peñasquito yielded a staggering 566,000 ounces of gold and 29.7 million ounces of silver.
The immediate economic repercussions of the strike were readily apparent. During June 2023, gold production at the mine registered a 72% plunge, plummeting from a robust 3,452 kilograms in May to 966 kilograms. As the refusal to work persisted, Newmōnt, the corporate steward of Peñasquito, reported losses exceeding US$183 million. Yet, the firm remained steadfast in its refusal to accede to the demands, resorting to a strategy perceived as coercive by the workers: the thinly veiled threat of subjecting investments in Mexico to a critical review.
In the semi-desert expanse of the municipality of Mazapil, the facilities remain under constant vigilance, with workers maintaining round-the-clock guard duties to ensure the closure of the premises. While many reportedly voiced their willingness to engage in dialogue and pursue negotiations, their disposition thus far yielded limited results1
Arid Agony
In tandem with the economic dimensions, a familiar narrative — often accompanying instances of capitalist-driven ‘economic growth’ — materialized in the form of additional apprehensions. The mining activities at Peñasquito, as is customary in such scenarios, triggered environmental crises; notably, the depletion of water resources, thereby exacerbating the plight of surrounding communities.
While the mining company acquired multiple water concessions, residents reported dwindling supplies and associated health issues. Previously, the communities relied on natural springs and wells for their needs, but these disappeared. Similarly, studies conducted by the University of Zacatecas revealed high levels of toxic substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead in the liquid supply.
Zacatecas, derived from the Nahuatl language, poetically signifies 'where there is abundant zacate [grass].' Paradoxically, this etymology, steeped in a verdant past, is at odds with the contemporary horizon and the plight faced by the province.
Recognizing the harsh reality of a region beset by aridity, Jesús Padilla, a bureaucrat from the Secretary of Agriculture, requested to officially declare Zacatecas a disaster zone — without a response from State authorities. Approximately 700,000 hectares out of 1,160,000 hectares of farmland remain unutilized. The Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development urged farmers to reduce the bovine livestock population from one million to a more sustainable 500,000 heads of cattle 2.
Similarly, representatives from the State concurred that the situation confronting the Zacatecas province is unprecedented — at least since 2012, when thousands of cattle perished due to analogous agro-climatic conditions.
Zacatecas stands as one of seven entities across the nation-state where 100 percent of its territory finds itself in a protracted crisis of arid conditions, mirroring the likes of Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Morelos, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. Out of its 58 municipalities, 15 are now categorized under severe drought, while 41 face the ominous classification of extreme drought. Only two locales retain the distinction of a moderate drought status.
“Capitalist production” — we recall, tragically, — “only develops the techniques and the degree of combination of the social process of production by simultaneously undermining the original sources of all wealth — the soil and the worker" 3
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