Frequently Asked Questions – Proman GPO ammonia plant project Topolobampo
Proman GPO, part of the Proman family of companies, is constructing a fertilizer plant in Topolobampo, Sinaloa, Mexico. This project will reduce Mexico’s dependence on imported fertilizers and provide a reliable domestic source of fertilizers for local farmers, strengthening the country’s food security.. Once operational, it will be one of the largest fertilizer plants in Latin America with a production capacity of 2,220 MT/day, generating 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 3,000 people already employed on site.
These Frequently Asked Questions are intended to addresses the most common queries regarding the project.
Environment and Location
Does the Proman GPO plant project affect this ecosystem?
The Santa María–Topolobampo–Ohuira lagoon system, located in Sinaloa, Mexico, has been designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 2009. Ramsar designation recognises the ecological importance of wetlands and promotes their conservation and sustainable use. However, it does not automatically prohibit productive activities. For example, fishing, ecotourism and maritime operations already take place within the Ramsar site, alongside existing infrastructure and productive activities in the surrounding area.
Around the world, including in Mexico, there are industrial projects that coexist and operate within Ramsar sites, including examples in Argentina, the Netherlands and Germany, provided that they comply with applicable regulations and environmental impact assessments. This project has been assessed and authorised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), and we continue to operate in accordance with the highest environmental standards.
Is the Topolobampo project located within a protected natural area?
No. The project is located approximately 2 km from Isla de los Patos, which forms part of the nearest protected natural reserve.
It is important to note that while certain islands within Ohuira Bay form part of a protected natural area, the bay itself is not designated as a protected natural reserve.
Does the project help mitigate climate change?
Yes. The project has been designed in accordance with sustainability principles and contributes to climate change mitigation through several key measures:
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Mangrove conservation: The project focuses on conserving the mangrove areas located near the site. Mangroves can absorb up to ten times more carbon than terrestrial forests.
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Mangrove reforestation: Mangrove restoration activities continue in areas adjacent to the project site, supporting ecosystem conservation and resilience.
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Domestic production: By producing fertilizers locally in Mexico, the project reduces the CO₂ emissions associated with transporting fertilizer products over long distances from other countries.
Water, Pollution and Biodiversity
What measures is Proman GPO taking to protect Ohuira Bay?
The Proman GPO project implements a range of environmental programmes that together form the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). These programmes have been approved by Semarnat, which will oversee compliance with the associated prevention and mitigation measures.
The programmes are designed to protect the environment surrounding the Topolobampo project and include monitoring of water and air quality, protection of species such as iguanas, sea turtles, dolphins and crustaceans, as well as conservation of local flora.
One example of the project’s environmental stewardship is its water management system, which incorporates scientifically based wastewater treatment technologies, including advanced filtration systems. These measures ensure that all discharges comply with water quality standards established under environmental regulations.
In addition, certified laboratories will conduct continuous wastewater monitoring to verify that water quality remains within permitted limits and that the surrounding environment is protected.
It is also important to note that the water used to cool equipment at the Proman Mexico plant will consist of recycled water supplied by the CFE power plant. This water will be treated to comply with Semarnat standards and will ultimately be discharged outside Ohuira Bay.
Had Ohuira Bay already been facing environmental challenges before the Proman GPO project?
Yes. There are historical sources of pollution in the bay resulting from urban wastewater, agricultural runoff and existing industrial infrastructure. Taking this into account, the Proman Mexico project has been designed to incorporate strict environmental controls to prevent any additional impacts, thereby contributing to the improvement of existing conditions.
Will the Proman GPO project affect the mangroves or wetlands of Topolobampo?
Although there are no mangroves within the project site itself, nearby mangrove areas are continuously monitored in accordance with the Environmental Management Programme.
Prior to construction, an environmental assessment was carried out in June 2013 to identify the condition, distribution and health of mangrove ecosystems in the area. In addition, a vegetation survey was conducted in September 2013. Later that year, personnel from SEMARNAT and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) visited the site to verify the condition of mangroves within the specific project area, confirming that no mangrove vegetation was present.
Mitigation and conservation measures have been implemented in areas adjacent to the project, including a Mangrove Reforestation Plan and ongoing monitoring of existing mangrove ecosystems. Based on 21 inspection campaigns conducted between 2015 and 2026, the results indicate that the mangroves remain in a good overall state of conservation. In mangrove areas located near the project, we continue to safeguard their conservation status and reforested an additional two hectares in 2025 alone.
Will the Proman GPO project affect fishing activities or marine species in Ohuira Bay?
The project will not affect fish populations, as no pollutants or toxic substances will be discharged into Ohuira Bay. It also incorporates scientifically based technologies, such as filtration systems, to minimise any potential impacts.
In addition, the plant includes a water treatment process that ensures all discharges, which will take place outside Ohuira Bay, comply with current environmental regulations.
The Topolobampo plant project also includes a number of measures designed to benefit local fishermen, including support for fishing communities in Ohuira Bay through a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods. For example, in 2025, fishermen were provided with modern fishing nets and fuel support at the start of the shrimp season, helping to ease immediate cost pressures and contributing to a more stable and productive season.
Alongside these investments, we are working with fishing cooperatives to strengthen shared commitments, helping to build a more resilient and coordinated local fishing sector.
Will the Proman GPO plant project use freshwater resources?
No. The project has been designed to use recycled water from the CFE power plant for cooling processes, avoiding any pressure on freshwater resources intended for human consumption or agricultural use.
Industrial Safety
Is there be a risk of a leak at the plant?
The project is being constructed in accordance with the highest global safety standards and international industry best practices. It incorporates multiple independent layers of protection, automated safety systems and continuous monitoring, meeting international requirements for the safe design, construction and operation of world-class facilities..
The project has been authorised and supported by the institutions responsible for overseeing environmental and industrial compliance, including:
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Semarnat – Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
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ASEA – Agency for Safety, Energy and the Environment
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STPS – Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
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Civil Protection
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COFEPRIS – Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks
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SICT – Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport
Proman Mexico has complied with all requirements established by these authorities throughout the design, construction and future operation of the plant to ensure the safety of local communities and the environment.
Have risks such as hurricanes or earthquakes been considered in the design of the Proman GPO plant project?
Yes. These factors have been fully incorporated into the project’s design and operation, supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated emergency response plans.
Emissions and Sustainability
What will happen to the emissions released into the atmosphere?
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, the country imports approximately 80% of the fertiliser products it consumes. The Topolobampo plant will therefore reduce imports by providing a local source of fertiliser for farmers in Sinaloa and across Mexico. This will also avoid the CO₂ emissions associated with importing these products from overseas.
In addition, the CO₂ generated during the production process will be captured and reused as a by-product in industrial applications, thereby reducing its environmental impact.
Human Rights and Communities
How does Proman GPO ensure that the rights of local communities are respected?
We have engaged with local communities throughout the design and construction phases of the project. Through Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior, a public consultation process, known as the “Citizen Participation Exercise for the Topolobampo Fertiliser Plant”, was conducted to gather the views of residents from the municipalities of Ahome, Guasave and El Fuerte and provide them with an opportunity to express their opinions on the project.
The consultation was held on 28 November 2021, with the following results:
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75.61% in favour
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23.65% against
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0.73% invalid votes
Was a consultation conducted with Indigenous communities?
Yes. A consultation with Mayo-Yoreme Indigenous communities was completed in 2022 in accordance with ILO Convention No. 169, as required by Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice and validated by the relevant District Courts and Collegiate Courts.
As a result, 80% of the participating communities gave their consent to the project.
Does the Proman GPO project affect Indigenous territories?
No. Specialised technical studies concluded that the Topolobampo’s plant project has no direct impact on the land or resources of neighbouring Indigenous communities.
Social and Economic Impact
What are the economic and social benefits of the Proman GPO ammonia plant project?
The Proman project in Topolobampo will provide an important domestic source of fertilizer for local farmers, reduce dependence on imported fertilizers, strengthen Mexico’s food security and create employment and business opportunities for local workers and companies.
Benefits include:
Employment opportunities and skills development:
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10,000 direct and indirect jobs created (according to the Mexican Ministry of Economy).
3,000 people are already employed on site during the construction phase and the Ministry estimates 7,000 indirect jobs will be created among service providers, transporters and local businesses.* -
98% of employees currently on site are Mexican nationals, with 59% coming from Sinaloa,, including members of the Mayo-Yoreme Indigenous communities and residents of nearby towns.
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Opportunities for local suppliers and service providers to strengthen local supply chains.
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Investment in technical training and skills development through collaboration with the Sinaloa Institute for Workforce Training (ICATSIN), which will provide courses for over 3,700 people.*
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Support to key sectors such as fisheries and agriculture.
Community investment:
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More than 225,000 people have benefited to date from Proman GPO community initiatives across more than 80 localities and 17 Indigenous communities.
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More than US$ 2 million allocated to community investments in infrastructure, healthcare, sport, and education benefiting residents of Ohuira, Lázaro Cárdenas, Paredones, Topolobampo and other communities.* Between 2015 and 2026, US$1.6 million has already been invested.
Proman GPO maintains a positive and ongoing dialogue with local Indigenous communities, many of whom have welcomed the employment opportunities and international investment the project is expected to bring to the region.
Why is the Topolobampo plant project important for Mexico?
Because it will provide an important domestic source of fertilizer for Mexican agriculture, reducing reliance on imported products and strengthening the country’s food security.
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
Does the Proman GPO fertilizer plant project comply with Mexican and international regulations?
Yes. The Proman Mexico fertiliser plant project in Topolobampo has obtained all necessary environmental, social and regulatory permits at the federal, state and municipal levels.
The project also complies with international standards, reflecting both the requirements of its financing structure and the best practices applied throughout Proman’s global operations.
For more nformation about the Proman GPO plant project in Topolobampo, Sinaloa, Mexico, please visit our About Us or Sustainability pages, or contact us directly at info.gpo-mexico@proman.org.