Building the Future of Conscientious Mining Together

Mining remains a cornerstone of Mexico’s industrial landscape, contributing 8.6% of the country's industrial GDP and supporting over 3 million jobs. The sector also generates more than MX$40 billion (US$1.97 billion) in annual taxes, equivalent to funding multiple major infrastructure projects each year, shared Pedro Rivero, President, CAMIMEX. Despite these contributions, Rivero notes that the industry is subject to one of the highest tax burdens, with 56% of revenue allocated to taxation.

Beyond its financial impact, mining plays a vital role in environmental sustainability and community development. “We are a highly regulated industry, and we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Mining is no longer what it was decades ago. We have evolved, and we must make this clear to society,” said Rivero.

On the social front, mining has historically shaped entire communities. Cities like Guanajuato, Zacatecas, and Pachuca owe their foundations to the industry, while today, more than 650 mining communities across Mexico benefit from infrastructure investments, local employment, and small business development. “We do not just extract minerals; we create opportunities, we build cities, and we drive regional economies,” Rivero emphasized.

“Investment does not wait. If we do not provide a stable and predictable framework, capital will go elsewhere. Mining is a long-term industry, and it requires long-term certainty,” Rivero warned. More than US$12.5 billion in mining investments are ready to be deployed in Mexico over the next two years, yet companies face delays in permits, unclear regulations, and security risks.

Rivero highlights that mining is often misunderstood, despite its indispensable role in supporting over 70 industries, including those critical to the energy transition. “Without mining, there is no energy transition. No electric vehicles, no solar panels, no lithium batteries, none of it is possible without the minerals we provide,” he asserted.

The industry must improve its communication and align with national development goals, Rivero shared. “There is no better communication than actions,” Rivero remarked, urging the industry to demonstrate its commitment through measurable results rather than rhetoric. “The mining sector must proactively engage with policymakers to ensure that the sector remains a key partner in Mexico’s long-term economic and infrastructure growth.”

With billions in investment on the table, the next steps taken by both industry leaders and policymakers will determine whether Mexico can fully leverage its mineral resources for sustainable and inclusive growth. “The opportunity is here. Now is the time to work together to ensure that mining remains a pillar of progress for Mexico,” Rivero concluded.