CAMIMEX Calls for Efficiency in Permitting Processes

CAMIMEX urged competent authorities to guarantee rule of law and ensure the continuity of operations for responsible mining companies in Mexico. The statement comes after a series of incidents affecting the sector, including the two-month strike happening at Newmont’s Peñasquito mine.

In a press release, CAMIMEX urged SEMARNAT to solve the delay in the granting of environmental permit requests as it is important for both companies to ensure environmentally responsible operations. “We acknowledge the importance of evaluation processes and prevention mechanisms. However, it is crucial that SEMARNAT acts quickly and efficiently in evaluation and resolution issuing, especially when it comes to companies that strictly comply with all legal requirements,” the document states. 

CAMIMEX highlighted the importance of maintaining efficiency and certainty during all legal and permit-granting processes, as this plays a crucial role in promoting responsible investment in the mining sector. The chamber considers the industry pivotal in economic growth and social well-being, as it created over 3 million jobs and contributed 2.46% and 8.63% of the national and industrial GDP, respectively, in 2022. 

CAMIMEX highlighted that the mining sector supplies materials to over 70 sectors and that mining is one of the best economic alternatives in marginalized areas. “CAMIMEX reiterates its commitment to sustainable and responsible development for the Mexican mining sector. We are conscious of the importance of operating responsibly,” the chamber stated, adding that it is open to working together with authorities to ensure an attractive environment for investments and economic development. 

Peñasquito Strike Still Ongoing

CAMIMEX also urged labor authorities to collaborate to find a solution to the strike at Peñasquito, the largest gold mine in Mexico. The chamber said it is worried about this strike and other similar situations, as they can potentially impact employment opportunities, national mineral production, companies’ operativity and investor confidence. In 2Q23, Peñasquito produced only 38,000oz of gold, while in 2Q22, the mine produced 121,000oz Au, representing a 68.6% drop in production. 

On June 7, 2023, 2,800 Newmont workers demanded higher profit payments from the company and went on strike. Miners from SNTMMSSRM accused Newmont of violating their 2022-2024 collective labor agreement, arguing that profit payments should increase from 10% to 20%. Newmont argues that Minera Peñasquito paid in time and urged the union to abide by the mutually agreed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated and signed by both parties in June of 2022, as reported by MBN. 

CAMIMEX is not the only mining association that has called on authorities to intervene in the Peñasquito strike. CIMMG and AIMMGM have also urged the federal government to mediate before a court intervenes. The main mining associations in Mexico said it is crucial to terminate the strike as its repercussions impact the whole sector.