Durango: Mexico’s Fourth-Largest Mining State

The mining industry in the state of Durango created 13,600 direct jobs and 68,000 indirect jobs and has annual economic spending of around MX$22 billion (US$1.09 billion). Durango is therefore the fourth most important mining state in Mexico.

Currently, Mexico’s mining sector generated over 413,000 direct jobs and 2.3 million indirect jobs. With a preliminary investment of US$4.25 billion in 2021, the total production value in 2021 amounted to MX$338.18 billion (US$16.9 billion), according to the Ministry of Economy (SE).

According to the Association of Metallurgical Mining Engineers and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM), the state is the second-largest producer of zinc. It also ranks third in the production of silver, fifth in gold and seventh in copper.

Regarding non-metallic minerals, Durango is a leading producer of bentonite, ranks second for perlite as well as third for marble and fluorite. The state also has deposits of gypsum, clays, limestone, sand and gravel, all minerals that, according to Gustavo Kientzle, Minister of Economic Development, Durango, contribute to the state's and the country's GDP.

Moreover, the Mexican Geological Survey (SGM), reported that there are lithium deposits in 18 states, Durango among them. However, production remains far from a reality as the deposits in the state are considered economically unviable in the current market environment.

Kientzle said Durango has 23 mines in production in 17 municipalities. Five of them rank among the Top 10 with the highest production of metallic minerals, out of a total of 240 in the country. He added that the mining industry will continue to support private companies ready to invest in Durango. The state is highly committed to Mexico's mining industry, encouraging a rule of law that will incentivize and support legal certainty for concessions. 

Among the state's most prominent mineral deposits are:Ciénega de Nuestra Señora, Tayoltita, Velardeña, Guanaceví, Avino, La Platosa, Topia, Cerro de Mercado, La Ojuela, Bacís, Magistral del Oro, Indé, Minitas and more recently the San Sebastián, El Castillo, San Agustín and Rode mines.

Mining activity is present in 24 states across Mexico, as operations intersect with 212 municipalities and close to 700 communities. However, 82.5 percent of the total mining value is produced in five states: Sonora, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Durango and Guerrero.

From Aug. 25 to 28, 2022, the Expo Mexico Minero will take place in Durango with the goal of promoting the Mexican mining industry in the state.