Western Mexico state issues alerts for new copper mine spill into river

HERMOSILLO, Mexico – Authorities in northern Mexico have issued a new alert of a river spill from a copper mine operated by Grupo Mexico.

Sonora state Civil Protection director Carlos Arias says his agency is alerting people to avoid using water from the Sonora River after local municipalities complained of toxins.

Arias said Sunday that a flyover of the area shows an abnormal orange stain. He said his department is taking measures to ensure people don't come in contact with the water until it can be tested.

The Buenavista copper mine issued a statement Sunday saying a storm water overflow after excessive rains from Hurricane Odile caused toxic water to leach into some creeks and streams. It says it contained the spill with pumps and suction. It didn't identify the leaked substance.