Government Enhancing Mining Potencial

Q: What is the state Ministry of Economy’s plan for the mining industry in Guerrero?
A: Guerrero’s State Development Plan focuses on five axes: the relaunching of tourism, improvement of the physical infrastructure, the agroindustry, the Special Economic Zones (ZEEs) and the mining industry. Regarding mining, Governor Héctor Astudillo is striving to make mining a lever for the state’s development and to diversify our economic dependency from tourism to an industry that is significantly growing. The goal is to develop favorable conditions for investment in the state and to unlock the mining industry’s potential, given Guerrero’s significant mineral deposits.
As Guerrero strives to become a logistics hub, communication with several government agencies is crucial to better channel the resources into this endeavor and to create a thriving mining industry. We will knock on the doors of all the institutions needed to attract more investment to the state, such as FIFOMI, NAFIN, CONACyT and the Ministry of Education.
Q: What is the missing ingredient that will help Guerrero unlock its mining potential?
A: The promotion of Guerrero’s mining potential and related advertising is insufficient. We need to enhance our participation in national and international forums so we can turn investors’ gaze to our state and help them understand that big mining companies, such as Torex Gold and Alio Gold, are succeeding and growing while working with us. We also have two key projects by Peñoles and by Alio Gold’s Ana Paula mine that are examples for investors of the positive investment opportunity Guerrero offers. To better broadcast its mining potential, we also want to build a technological hub for training and research regarding innovation for mine operations. This innovation hub will develop highly qualified staff for the management of mining machinery technology and for technical support. It is ultimately intended to provide certainty and confidence and to augment the attractiveness of investing in the state. This would be an Institute of Technology specialized in mining and designed to boost the industry in Guerrero. The fundamentals of the project are already outlined and were presented to Governor Astudillo and Minister of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo. The next step is to introduce it to the president and secure federal support.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between local communities and mining companies, which often becomes an issue when projects lack a community socialization approach. The ministry encourages mining companies to prioritize a social and environmentally responsible approach to their operations, working closely with local communities to help them understand the benefits that these projects imply in terms of job creation, wage increases and the development of productive initiatives within the communities. Regarding the latter, we are supporting the creation of other means of subsistence for miners’ families so they can diversify their income and have a better quality of life. For example, we are promoting the ability to farm and to breed animals, among other professions that can be carried out in often remote communities.
Q: What is the role of the mining cluster in strengthening the industry in Guerrero?
A: The Guerrero Cluster was formalized a year ago. The ministry is closely working on promoting a deeper association between mining companies, fostering a permanent and strong communication channel with the state’s government. We believe it is vital to have optimum coordination and to maintain an open dialogue with local and municipal governments. Also, our goal is to have the mining cluster work with SMEs as suppliers, so entrepreneurs from Guerrero can grow and strengthen, consolidating their position in the value chain and promoting more investment and the creation of new jobs. This will make the state more attractive for an industry that has huge potential, thus the government’s intention to enhance it.