Ghost-like mounds of powder-like gold can be seen, forever waiting for transportation to the northern Mexican city of San Luis Potosi for refinement.

BBC: In Oaxaca, a community unchanged

But before the U.S. Department of Transportation could grant any permits to Mexican truckers, in 2002, environmental and labor groups filed a lawsuit to block implementation on the grounds that the regulations violated U.S. environmental law.

FORBES: Mexico Is Right To Retaliate Over U.S. Ban On Mexican Trucks

"I urge the Senate to reject an amendment to the transportation bill that would clearly discriminate against Mexican truckers, " Bush said Thursday.

CNN: truck