Mexico issues alert over mine contaminants spilled into river that flows north into Arizona
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities in northern Mexico have issued a binational alert over contamination from a copper mine that spilled into a waterway that flows into the U.S. state of Arizona.
Carlos Jesus Arias is director of the Sonora state civil protection agency. He said Monday that contamination from the Buenavista del Cobre mine in the city of Cananea has made it into the San Pedro River.
Officials haven't said how much leaked, or what was in the contaminants.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The mine is operated by Grupo Mexico. It issued a statement Sunday saying storm water overflow linked to the recent passage of Hurricane Odile caused mine water to leach into some creeks and streams.
Civil protection officials urged residents to avoid using the local water.