HPH's Lazaro Cardenas braces for blockade by angry miners

THE Pacific container Port of Lazaro Cardenas on Mexico's west coast is bracing for a blockade by angry miners in response to job losses in the country's mining sector.

The union is backing fellow miners through the Mexico National Mining and Metal Workers Union in their efforts to disrupt operations impacting on trade.

Hong Kong's Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) operates the terminal under a 30-year concession granted in 2003 by the port authority. Evergreen, Hamburg Sud, CCNI and MSC have been leading carriers to the port, which was intended to siphon off Asia cargo for rail shipment into the US from the congestion that once threatened LA-Long Beach before the economic downturn.

In January, 20 bandits, armed with assault rifles held up a container train from the terminal. Rail operator Kansas City Southern (KCS) said the bandits forced open three containers and stole clothing and sports gear.

Source: Portnews