city, north-central Coahuila estado (state), northeastern Mexico. It is situated 1,410 feet (430 m) above sea level, just north of the Sabinas River, 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Piedras Negras, on the Mexico–United States border. The city's location in the Sabinas coal district led to its development, and since the 1930s it has become a prominent industrial centre, with a zinc smelter producing zinc sulfate and sulfuric acid, as well as coke. Pop. (2000) 36,974.