Mexican integrated steelmaker Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) announced on Monday it resumed operations at several coal plants as well as an iron ore unit owned by its subsidiary, Minera del Norte (MINOSA).
AHMSA said a blockade at MINOSA’s Hercules iron ore unit was lifted on Monday after about 1,000 people living in the area marched and demanded the mine resume operations. Hercules has about 7,000 residents, out of which 1,500 work at MINOSA.
AHMSA said the blockade was imposed by a “minority group” led by a local union leader, asking for an increased bonus in opposition of the company’s recently announced bonus of MXN 10,000 ($536).
Blockades were imposed by demonstrators at several MINOSA mines in Mexico, including the Hercules, La Esmeralda, and the Cerro de Mercado mines.
AHMSA said last week coal production was about to resume at its La Esmeralda, also known as Mina 5, Mina 4 and Planta Lavadora units, after a “misunderstanding” over the company’s bonus to be paid to its workers was solved.