Federal Court Upholds Ban on Explosives for Calica Mining Company in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A federal court has permanently banned the mining company Calica from storing or using explosives at its former operations in Playa del Carmen, ending a years-long legal battle over the company’s access to hazardous materials.

The Superior Chamber of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice (TFJA) issued a ruling on January 14, 2026, confirming that Calica cannot maintain its stockpile of more than 10,000 tons of high-impact explosives following the permanent closure of its mining operations.

The decision upholds the Mexican Army’s (SEDENA) October 2022 denial of Calica’s permit renewal for storing and using explosive materials. The company had sought to retain explosives including bulk ammonium nitrate emulsion, detonating cords, initiators, and other detonation elements at its facilities despite the closure of its mining activities.

Calica had filed a nullification lawsuit in 2022 challenging SEDENA’s decision, first with the Quintana Roo and Caribbean Chamber of the TFJA and then appealing to the Superior Chamber. The court’s final ruling confirms the company’s legal options have been exhausted.

The mining operations on approximately 2,000 hectares were permanently closed in May 2022 by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) after the company lost its concession for extracting stone materials. The court’s decision reinforces controls over highly dangerous materials in the region and limits Calica’s operations in Playa del Carmen.