Chihuahua Accumulates US$1.8 Billion in Mining Production

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported that the cumulative value of three-quarters of mining production in the state of Chihuahua rose to MX$37 billion (US$1.8 billion).

According to INEGI, the figure registered before September 2022 represents 4 percent of the state’s GDP. Chihuahua’s mining production is the third largest in Mexico. Moreover, it occupies second place in silver and lead production, third place in zinc, fourth in copper production and fifth in gold production. 

In the state of Chihuahua, silver production stood at 120.7 tons, representing 21.4 percent of Mexico’s production and 2,849 tons of lead were produced representing 12.7 percent of the total. Zinc production stood at 6,336 tons, in third place with 10.3 percent of the total.

In addition, copper extraction reached 1,954 tons, attaining 3.3 percent of the production. Furthermore, 1,314kg of gold was produced, or 12.7 percent of the total.

On Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, the local Minister of Innovation and Economic Development (SIDE), María Angélica Granados, held a meeting with members of the Chihuahua Mining Cluster. During the gathering, the state government reiterated its support for the mining sector. Moreover, the cluster presented a report of its activities and discussed areas of opportunity.

Gerardo Durán, Director General, Chihuahua Mining Cluster, explained that 94 percent of the mining activity is concentrated in the central and southern regions of the state, clustered in 20 municipalities. Of these 20 districts, 15 are affiliated with the cluster, and five represent 9.45 percent of the nation’s metals production. Durán mentioned that 312,000 inhabitants directly or indirectly benefit from mining activities, as the sector has created 20,493 direct jobs.

“The Cluster was born in 2013 as the main association helping and connecting the companies of the sector and today features 130 suppliers,” said Durán. Furthermore, the cluster is present at 13 mining units and four mining projects. It formed alliances with six educational institutions and two investigation centers, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge to the state. The organization furthermore seeks to generate networking prospects to establish new business opportunities.

Just like Sonora, much of Chihuahua’s territory remains unexplored. The total surface of the state is 27,745,500ha, of which 2,053,876ha are concessions for the mining sector, or 8.33 percent. Meanwhile, 0.12 percent of this environment has been used for production.