Mexico launches risk review for controversial $1.6B ammonia plant in Sinaloa

Mexico’s Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcenas Ibarra, has announced a joint risk assessment for a new ammonia production plant in Ohuira Bay. The facility, operated by Gas y Petroquímicas de Occidente (GOP), is under construction in the municipality of Ahome and has already drawn opposition from local groups. The plant is designed to produce up to 800,000 metric tons of ammonia each year. GOP has already invested $1.6 billion in the project, which has passed all technical, environmental, and governmental checks, including public consultations with Indigenous communities.

Environmental and technical studies confirm the project will not harm the surrounding area. However, recent protests by environmentalists and Indigenous groups in northern Sinaloa have called for its construction to be halted.

To address concerns, Bárcenas Ibarra met with members of Indigenous communities and the 'Not Here' collective in Los Mochis. Four working groups will now be formed to facilitate dialogue, assess environmental risks, and improve public services in the Topolobampo area. The risk assessment will involve authorities, local residents, and the 'Not Here' collective. The company behind the plant has a strong international record in safely producing ammonia, methanol, and fertilisers. The new facility meets all approval requirements, but the joint assessment aims to ensure transparency and address remaining public concerns.