Mina Proaño

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; as a result the mine is also known as Mina Fresnillo. The mining operation is run by Peñoles, a Mexico City-based company that is the world’s largest silver mining firm.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]} 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 more than 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.

External links

• Industrias Peñoles Official Site