The expansion of the Altamira Integral Port Administration in Tamaulipas, Mexico, is putting at risk the existence of salt mines that have been in operation for over three centuries and on which hundreds of rural families depend for their livelihoods. These families use a six-month process to produce salt from seawater from the Gulf of Mexico. The salt fields have been in existence for three thousand years and were likely used for food and trade by the Chak-Pet village. The salt mines are located near the oil platform construction companies' patios, making the area vulnerable to the port's expansion. The families are seeking support from federal authorities to preserve the area and continue their salt production activity.