The Future of Lithium Will Be Decided in the Coming Days

President López Obrador called on legislators to discuss and vote on the new energy reform proposal right away so that an extraordinary session is no longer required. López Obrador said he hopes that the vote will take place some time in the following 15 days as it is of great urgency, especially since the future of lithium will depend on the result. In addition, the president reported that the Bolivian government is already advising the Mexican government on how to manage the ‘white gold’. Likewise, López Obrador stressed that both nations have committed to promote an exchange of ideas regarding the uses and production of lithium.

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2022: A Year Full of Abundant Exploration Plans

Ten of the main gold and silver producers are planning a year full of dynamic exploration programs, with the purpose of increasing reserves and developing projects in a favorable environment for metal prices. According to BNamericas, the companies with the biggest exploration spending in Mexico for 2022 are First Majestic Silver, Fresnillo, Pan American Silver, Torex Gold and Agnico Eagle, which together have a budget of more than US$220 million.

SEMARNAT Greenlights Zacatecas Silver’s Drilling Program

Zacatecas Silver announced that environmental ministry SEMARNAT has given the company the green light to continue its drilling program at the Panuco deposit. Zacatecas Silver can now target the full strike length of the Panuco North vein system. In addition, the company reported its exploration plans for other areas in its project, as well as for the recently acquired La Esperanza gold project.

Infinitum Copper Discovers Multiple Mineralization Zones

Infinitum Copper announced that it has found new mineralization zones at its La Adelita project, located across Sonora and Sinaloa. The company shared its plans to identify the value of these newly discovered areas, as well as to continue finding further zones with potential.

Excellon Resources Denies Discrimination Against Workers

Excellon Resources denied having discriminated against the workers of the La Platosa mine, after Carlos Pavón Campos, Leader, National Metallurgical Mining Union, accused the company of trying to incriminate miners who support the strike. The company stressed that it remains open to dialogue and aims to reach a resolution soon.

Puebla’s Mining Concessions in Decline

Over the past two years, mining concessions granted in the state of Puebla have dropped from 326 registered at the Ministry of Economy in 2019 to only 310 in 2021, according to the Institute of Management, Administration and Municipal Liaison. This represents a 25 percent decrease in surface granted to mining companies.