AIMMGM Elects Ruben del Pozo as New President

Ruben del Pozo has been elected as the president of AIMMGM for the 2024-2026 term, with a focus on enhancing the association’s membership and training programs, while fostering stronger ties with the government. In other news, Grupo Frisco became the first mining company to implement a fully AI-based explosive management system in a mining site, aiming to improve efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. 

Ready for more? This is your Weekly Round Up! 

Rubén del Pozo Elected as New President of AIMMGM

Rubén del Pozo has been elected as the new president of the Association of Mining, Metallurgical, and Geological Engineers of Mexico (AIMMGM) for the term 2024-2026. He is dedicated to enhancing AIMMGM's membership and training programs, while also fostering a more open and communicative industry.

The Presidential Election and Its Impact on Mining 

Pablo Méndez, Managing Partner, EC Rubio, says the recent electoral victory of Claudia Sheinbaum and her coalition’s majority in Congress could herald significant changes for Mexico's mining sector. As the new administration prepares to take office, the sector faces potential regulatory shifts that could impact its operations, including strict environmental policies and possible reintroductions of controversial legislative reforms. The mining industry, therefore, must brace for both challenges and opportunities in this political landscape, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and collaboration with the incoming government to ensure sustainable development and investment stability.

Silver on a Solid Path With New Demand Prospects

Michael DiRienzo, Executive Director, The Silver Institute, says the World Silver Survey 2024 highlights a strong year for silver demand, which is forecast to grow by 2% in 2024, driven by record highs in industrial fabrication and significant gains in the photovoltaic market. Meanwhile, total silver supply is expected to decrease modestly by 1%, resulting in a substantial market deficit projected at 215.3Moz, the second-largest in over two decades.

Southern Copper Projects Tia Maria Production to Start by 2027

With community issues resolved, Southern Copper aims to complete its Tia Maria copper project in Peru within the next two years, targeting production to begin in 2027, potentially earlier. The project is expected to produce 120,000t of copper annually, contributing to Peru's copper production resurgence after being surpassed by the Democratic Republic of Congo as the world's second-largest producer in 2023.

Mitigating Risks Through Customized Security Solutions 

Mario Salomón, Country Manager, Grupo Multisistemas de Seguridad Industrial, delves into the importance of technology in security for the mining sector. He highlights the company’s efforts to incorporate facial recognition and AI to enhance security, staying ahead of trends through a specialized technology division. 

ArcelorMittal Faces 500,000t Production Loss Due to Blockade

ArcelorMittal has seen a production decrease of over 500,000t due to a blockade lasting more than a month at its facilities in Michoacan. Victor Cairo, CEO, ArcelorMittal, has urged striking workers to resume operations and accept the company's proposal of a 10% profit-sharing (PTU) payment.

Mastering Mining Alloy Welding: SMS/3W’s Advantage
Juan Espitia, General Manager at SMS/3W, emphasizes that amid a highly competitive market, companies must continuously seek for innovative technologies, and experiment with new materials to stay ahead. 

Leadership: The Spark That Changes Everything 

Jorge Cristerna, MULTILED's Operations Director, stresses the importance of effective leadership in driving exceptional performance across industries such as mining and beyond. Emphasizing the pivotal role of leaders in inspiring innovation, navigating change, and fostering cohesive teams, Cristerna highlights essential qualities and practices essential for unlocking organizational potential. 

Grupo Frisco Implements AI to Handle Explosives Management

Grupo Frisco’s San Francisco del Oro mine is the first mine in the country to utilize an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for explosives management, aiming to improve efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in mining operations.