Mexican environmental activists on Wednesday slammed the alleged threat from a Canadian gold mining project that would lie only two miles (three kilometers) from a nuclear power plant.
"We're worried to see the 'White Horse' open mine project, which threatens national security by being situated only three kilometers from the Laguna Verde nuclear power plant … which could increase the risk of a nuclear accident," said a statement from several environmental groups, including Greenpeace Mexico.
The project also threatens cultural, historical and natural heritage in the area, located between the towns of Alto Lucero and Actopan in eastern Veracruz state, according to the groups.
Financed by Canada's Gold Group via its subsidiary Candymin S.A., the mine project still needs approval from Mexico's environment ministry.
Plans are for the mine to stretch over 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) and produce some 100,000 ounces (2.8 million grams) of gold per year.
Laguna Verde, Mexico's only nuclear power station, produces 4,782 gigawatts per year or around three percent of national electricity consumption.
