Outlook for 2025
https://miningmexico.com/mexico-perderia-autosuficiencia-en-el-abasto-de-minerales-en-10-anos/
In Mexico's mining landscape, 2025 is shaping up to be a key year to consolidate strategies that will allow the sector to face its historical challenges and maintain its relevance as one of the pillars of the national economy. Engineer Rubn del Pozo Mendoza, president of the Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico ( AIMMGM ), highlighted the actions undertaken and the current concerns that affect the sector.
A strategic sector in figures
Mexico occupies a prominent position in global mineral production. It is the world leader in the production of silver, fluorite and wollastonite, and is in the top 16 for minerals such as gold, lead, zinc, copper and salt. The five states with the highest production are Guerrero, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora, where important mining projects are concentrated.
However, the Well Engineer warned of a significant decrease in investment in exploration. From 1,165 million dollars in 2012, the figure fell to 606 million in 2023, a contraction of 48%. “Exploration is the engine of mining. If we do not generate reserves today, in about ten years we could face a critical point,” he said. This phenomenon has also impacted the number of mining projects, which went from 1,218 in 2022 to 762 in 2023, of which 391 are postponed.
Key events for the sector in 2024
The AIMMGM calendar has been packed with activities that seek to strengthen the sector:
– Sinaloa 2024 International Mining Congress (March, Mazatln): brought together 3,000 conventioneers and highlighted technological innovations.
– XIV International Mining Conference (April, Chihuahua): with 4,000 attendees.
– Forum “Challenges of Mexican Mining” (May, CDMX): a space to reflect on the challenges of the sector.
– International Mining Meeting (June, Zacatecas): attracted 5,000 conventioneers.
– VIII Durango Mining Congress 2024 (August, Durango): focused on inclusion and technological development.
A call for investment and public policies
The engineer from Pozo stressed that mining faces structural challenges. The suspension of exploration concessions and the lack of agility in permits are priority issues. In addition, the country has fallen from 11th place in 2011 to 74th in 2023 in the Fraser Institute's investment attraction index. "It is essential that secondary laws make aspects of exploration more flexible in order to reactivate the interest of investors," he said.
A recurring theme is the ban on open-pit mining. “The choice of extraction method depends on the characteristics of the deposit. If this type of mining is not permitted, many projects would become unviable,” he explained.
Social and environmental impact
Mining generates 416,875 direct jobs, with salaries 33% higher than the national average, and indirectly, it generates more than 3 million jobs. In addition, 18% of these jobs are held by women, which reflects an effort towards inclusion. In environmental terms, the sector has implemented sustainable practices, although it faces challenges in its public perception. “It is time to better communicate what we do. Mining is a driver of development, especially in regions such as the semi-desert, where there are few economic alternatives,” emphasized del Pozo.
Outlook for 2025
The strategic plan includes events such as the Meeting of Secretaries of Economic Development (March) and the XXXVI International Mining Convention (November, Acapulco). The latter seeks to reactivate the port's economy after the damage caused by recent hurricanes.
The future of the sector depends on a collaborative approach between government, companies and communities. “It is time to join forces so that Mexico can regain its place as an attractive destination for mining investment,” concluded Ingeniero del Pozo.