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Activity at a Cemex factory. D.T.
Residents of La Cañada and Fontcalent Accuse Cemex of 'Pollution'

Residents of La Cañada and Fontcalent Accuse Cemex of 'Pollution'

They demand the cessation of mining activities at the plant and announce claims for respiratory and cardiovascular issues

José Vicente Pérez Pardo

Alicante

Miércoles, 22 de enero 2025, 13:50

Residents' associations from La Cañada del Fenollar and Fontcalent have filed a complaint with the Civil Guard's Nature Protection Service (Seprona) against Cemex for the "mining expansion in Serra Llarga and cement manufacturing activities at the Foncalent factory," according to a statement. "We hope the investigation will be referred to the Prosecutor's Office, leading to criminal charges against the company's executives, a total cessation of mining activities, and environmental restoration of the affected areas," the complainants indicate.

The residents of the rural areas claim that the mining activity at the Fontcalent plant causes "severe environmental and health impacts" such as "toxic dust emissions." This, according to their public complaint, results in "direct consequences on the respiratory and cardiovascular health" of the residents, including "deaths linked to industrial emissions."

Furthermore, the "vibrations and detonations" resulting from the mining activity "have affected nearby structures" and caused "severe disruptions to the natural environment and the quality of life of the residents," among other issues.

Institutional Declaration by Compromís

The municipal group Compromís has registered an institutional declaration for debate in the Alicante City Council plenary session, which includes the rejection of the mining expansion in Serra Llarga and the declaration of the Fontcalent Lagoons as a Municipal Natural Area.

The expansion proposal submitted by CEMEX, which involves the exploitation of more than 29 hectares of land currently used for citrus farming, has generated unanimous opposition among the residents: "This expansion would create a massive crater less than 600 meters from inhabited homes, putting the health and safety of the residents at serious risk," say neighborhood representatives.

The complaint filed includes a series of "urgent" requests: the first being the "immediate cessation of all mining and cement manufacturing activities in Foncalent." Following this, a "thorough investigation of diseases related to factory emissions to ensure the right of affected individuals to claim compensation."

The neighborhood organization urges all citizens to "actively participate in the defense of the environment and health" of Alicante residents. They have also announced that they will publish studies conducted by experts, "who point to a direct link between Cemex emissions and a significant increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases" in the area.

"We will not allow Cemex to continue acting with impunity. We will demand accountability and ensure that this company pays for the damage caused to our land and our health," conclude the neighborhood spokespersons.

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