Mexico moves to combat pollution following Guardian investigations

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Erin McCormick, The Guardian, and Verónica García de León, Quinto Elemento LabFebruary 1, 2026 at 06:08 PM

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Following investigations by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab exposing high levels of industrial pollution, the Mexican government is taking steps to combat the issue. These actions include $4.8 million in fines against Zinc Nacional, a hazardous waste processing plant in Monterrey, and the implementation of a new industrial air-monitoring system, the first of its kind in Latin America. The investigations revealed that industries in the Monterrey area, linked to manufacturing and recycling for the US market, release significant amounts of heavy metals and carbon dioxide. The government also announced updates to air and soil contamination standards. These efforts aim to improve environmental enforcement and address industrial pollution in Mexico, with Zinc Nacional agreeing to address environmental damage.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Latin America 40% Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Unam) 50% United States ×260% Martín Soto Jiménez 60% Monterrey ×270% Mariana Boy Tamborrell 70% The Guardian ×270% Quinto Elemento Lab ×270% Zinc Nacional ×480% Mexico ×390%

Keywords

industrial pollution 100% mexico 90% air monitoring system 80% zinc nacional 70% heavy metals 70% air and soil contamination 60% environmental protection 60% monterrey 60% environmental justice 50%