Frequently Asked Questions
ENVIRONMENT AND LOCATION
Does the project affect a protected ecosystem, such as the Ramsar lagoon system?
The Santa María–Topolobampo–Ohuira lagoon system has been a Ramsar site since 2009. Ramsar designation recognises the ecological importance of wetlands and promotes their conservation and wise use, but does not automatically prohibit productive activities. Economic activities such as fishing, ecotourism and maritime operations are already taking place within the Ramsar site, in addition to the existing infrastructure and productive activity in the surrounding area.
Both globally and nationally, various industrial projects have been approved within Ramsar sites (for example, in Argentina, the Netherlands, Germany and Mexico), provided they comply with regulations and environmental impact assessments, as is the case with this project.
This project was assessed and authorised by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (‘SEMARNAT’), and we continue to work to the highest possible environmental standards as we move forward.
Is the project located within a protected natural area?
No. The project is situated 2 km from Isla de los Patos, which forms part of the nearest nature reserve. It is important to note that certain islands in Ohuira Bay form part of a protected nature reserve, but the bay itself does not.
Does the project help to mitigate climate change?
Yes. The project has been designed in accordance with sustainability principles and contributes to climate change mitigation, as it focuses on conserving the mangrove areas near the project site and on the reforestation of mangroves nearby; these actions have ensured their conservation whilst also enabling CO₂ sequestration, thereby helping to mitigate climate change, given that mangroves can capture up to ten times more carbon than terrestrial forests.
WATER, POLLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY
What measures are being taken to protect Ohuira Bay?
The project involves the implementation of a series of environmental programmes, collectively referred to as the “Environmental Management Plan (EMP)”, which have been approved by SEMARNAT and through which compliance with prevention and mitigation measures is monitored. These measures are focused on protecting the environment in which the project is situated, relating to water and air quality, and the protection of iguanas, mangroves, turtles and aquatic flora and fauna in general, during the Site Preparation, Construction and Operation phases of the project.
An example of the environmental care undertaken in the project is water management, which provides for the use of a wastewater treatment system incorporating scientifically-based technologies (filtration systems), thereby ensuring that discharges comply with the water quality standards set out in environmental regulations. In addition to this, continuous monitoring of wastewater will be carried out by certified laboratories to verify that its quality remains within permitted levels, without adversely affecting aquatic flora and fauna.
It is important to note that the water to be used for cooling the equipment does not come into contact with any chemicals, and that it will be treated; consequently, no pollutants or toxic substances will be discharged into Ohuira Bay.
Was the bay already facing environmental challenges before the project?
Yes. There are historical sources of pollution in the bay stemming from urban wastewater, agricultural run-off and existing industrial infrastructure. It is with this in mind that the project plans to incorporate controls to prevent any further impact, thereby helping to improve these conditions.
Will the project affect local mangroves or wetlands?
Although there are no mangroves at the project site, the mangrove areas located in the vicinity of the project 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 conditions, distribution and health status of the mangroves in the area. Furthermore, a vegetation sampling campaign was carried out in September 2013. At the end of 2013, staff from SEMARNAT and PROFEPA visited the site to verify the condition of the mangroves within the specific project area, confirming that there was no mangrove vegetation within the project footprint.
Mitigation and conservation measures have been implemented in the areas adjacent to the project, including a Mangrove Reforestation Plan and the monitoring of existing mangroves. Based on 21 monitoring campaigns carried out between 2015 and 2026, the results indicate that the mangrove is in a good overall state of conservation. In the mangrove areas near the project, we have ensured their conservation status and have supplemented these actions with the reforestation of a further 2 hectares in 2025 alone.
Will the project affect fishing or marine species?
The project will not affect fish stocks, as no pollutants or toxic substances will be discharged into Ohuira Bay. It also incorporates science-based technologies, such as filtration systems, to reduce any potential impacts on larvae and aquatic species.
Furthermore, the plant is equipped with a wastewater treatment system, which ensures that all discharges comply with environmental regulations.
The project also includes a series of measures that will benefit local fishermen, such as support for the fishing communities in Ohuira Bay through various initiatives to strengthen their livelihoods, whilst also promoting more sustainable practices in the area. For example, last year we provided modern nets and fuel support at the start of the prawn season, which helped to alleviate immediate cost pressures and enabled a more stable and productive season for local fishermen.
Alongside these investments, we are working with the cooperatives to reinforce shared commitments, helping to build a more resilient and coordinated local fishing sector.
Will fresh water be used?
No. Seawater will be used for cooling processes, thereby avoiding any strain on freshwater resources intended for human or agricultural use.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
Is there a risk of an ammonia leak?
The project is being built in accordance with the highest global safety standards and international industry best practices, and includes multiple independent layers of protection, automated safety systems and continuous monitoring that meet international requirements for the safe design, construction and operation of world-class facilities.
The project has been authorised and endorsed by the institutions responsible for regulating environmental and industrial compliance, including the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Agency for Safety, Energy and the Environment (ASEA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS), Civil Protection, the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT).
We have complied with all the requirements set by these authorities throughout the design, construction and future operation of the plant, in order to ensure the safety of local communities and the environment.
Have risks such as hurricanes or earthquakes been taken into account?
Yes. These factors are fully incorporated into the design and operation of the project, supported by a robust infrastructure and specific emergency response plans.
EMISSIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY
What will happen to the emissions released into the atmosphere?
By providing a reliable local source of fertilisers to support Mexico’s agriculture and food self-sufficiency, the project will avoid CO₂ emissions associated with importing these products.
Additionally, CO₂ generated during the production process will be captured and reused as a by-product in industrial processes, thereby reducing its impact.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND COMMUNITIES
How do you ensure that the rights of local communities are respected?
We have involved local communities throughout the design and construction phases of the project. Through Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior, a consultation – the ‘Citizen Participation Exercise for the Fertiliser Plant’ – was conducted to gauge the views of residents in the municipalities of Ahome, Guasave and El Fuerte, and to allow them to express their opinions on the project.
This took place on 28 November 2021, with the following results: 75.61% in favour; 23.65% against; and 0.73% invalid votes.
Was there a consultation with indigenous peoples?
Yes. The consultation was carried out in accordance with ILO Convention No. 169 and was validated by the federal judicial authorities.
Does the project affect indigenous territories?
No. Specialist technical studies concluded that there is no direct impact on the land or resources of neighbouring communities.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
What are the benefits of the project?
The project will be a major source of fertilisers for local agriculture, reducing reliance on imported fertilisers and strengthening Mexico’s food security.
It is already creating local employment opportunities. During the construction phase, it has created more than 3,000 direct jobs, as well as many more indirect jobs, giving priority to local workers. This has included employment for members of the Mayo-Yoreme indigenous communities, people from nearby villages, and local suppliers and service providers.
These employment opportunities promote technical training, strengthen supply chains and support key sectors such as fisheries and agriculture.
We also continue to support local communities through various community projects, with more than 190,000 people having benefited from our community initiatives to date, and nearly 500,000 US dollars invested in health, sport and entrepreneurship projects in 2025 alone.
We maintain a positive and ongoing dialogue with local indigenous communities, many of whom have welcomed the jobs and international investment that the project will bring to the area.
Why is the project important for Mexico?
The project will be a major local source of fertilisers used in local agriculture, which will reduce dependence on imported fertilisers and strengthen Mexico’s food security.
GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE
Does the project comply with the law?
Yes. It has all the necessary environmental, social and regulatory permits at all levels of government, and also complies with international standards due to its financing structure.