On July 22, 2015, a group of approximately 300 people, some of them armed, violently entered the mine and blocked operations, holding several employees hostage for more than 3 hours. Some of these individuals were members of the Ayotitlán community, claiming that the Benito Juárez Peña Colorada Mining Consortium (PeCo) was invading their territories and was not paying the royalties. The PeCo, of which ArcelorMittal is a 50% shareholder, strongly rejects these allegations and condemns any use of violence…The company respects the Ejido de Ayotitlán and its assembly and confirms that the agreements, and rental payments are in place and up to date…The mine is not conducting mineral extraction on the land rented from the Ayotitlán community and there is no justification for members of Ayotitlán community to demand additional royalties…PeCo management are committed to continue participation in roundtables...ArcelorMittal seeks to respect human rights and develop the understanding of cultures…