Cemex Denied Permit for Tulum Material Bank by SEMARNAT

Tulum, Mexico — The project to establish a material bank promoted by the company Cemex in the municipality of Tulum does not have federal authorization to operate, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) officially confirmed. The announcement follows protests led by Greenpeace and other environmental civil organizations.

Federal Authorization Denied for Environmental and Forestry Compliance

SEMARNAT clarified that the project, titled “Habilitation and Operation of a Material Bank with Crusher and Screening Plant,” cannot proceed as the authorization for the Justifying Technical Study for the Change of Land Use in Forested Terrain (CUSTF) was denied. This permit is mandatory for any intervention in areas covered by forest vegetation.

According to SEMARNAT, the resolution was issued on June 27, 2025, through official document 03/ARRN/0820/2025 from the Quintana Roo Representation Office. The decision covers both environmental impact and forestry regulations, legally preventing the project from moving forward on the designated property.

“The property where the project is intended to be carried out is covered by forest vegetation, which requires federal authorization for changes in forest land use, regardless of any local or state permits that may exist,” SEMARNAT stated in a release.

SEMARNAT Emphasizes Environmental Protection Mandate

The agency underscored its primary responsibility to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. When authorizing such projects, SEMARNAT must guarantee that impacts are adequately mitigated and compensated. In this case, since the project failed to meet the requirements of current environmental legislation, it cannot advance.

The denial comes amid growing concerns over the preservation of forest ecosystems in the region and the expansion of extractive projects in environmentally fragile zones. Organizations like Greenpeace have warned of the ecological risks posed by such activities and have demanded transparency and strict adherence to the law.

Cemex Remains Silent; Activists Vow Continued Oversight

As of now, Cemex has not issued a public statement following the official rejection. Meanwhile, activists and local residents have reiterated their commitment to monitoring any attempts to proceed with construction without the necessary permits.

The resolution sets a significant precedent for the protection of Tulum’s natural resources and reinforces civil society’s call to prioritize environmental conservation over economic interests.