Lithium Opportunities are Explored Further

The Mexican government continues to move ahead with its lithium plans. Moreover, the leaders of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia agreed to meet to develop lithium opportunities and consider Mexico to be a strong potential ally.

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Energy Reforms Hamper Mining Companies’ Sustainability Goals

Mexico’s reforms to the energy sector are harming the mining industry’s transition to greener and more sustainable operations, as renewable energy projects face regulatory risks and developmental setbacks.

Mexican Government Advances Lithium Plans

President López Obrador announced that the state company in charge of the exploration and exploitation of lithium will soon be presented. In addition, he stressed that lithium concessions granted to private companies in the past will only remain valid if they were filed with a request to produce the resource. However, according to experts, these requirements are unfair because concessions usually do not feature such requests. What is more, regulation concerning permits and concessions cannot be altered retroactively.

Meetings Begin to Develop a Lithium Value Chain in Latin America

The Argentinean and Chilean governments agreed to hold a meeting with the Bolivian government to regionally develop lithium opportunities. Although no other countries have been invited to the meeting, experts say key Latin American countries like Mexico could also become a part of the strategic cooperation due to their resources, technology and geopolitical advantages.

Government Appears Cancels Almaden Minerals’ Concessions

The Ministry of Economy (SE) appears to have canceled the concessions of Minera Gorrión, the Mexican subsidiary of Almaden Minerals, to operate its open-pit mining projects in Ixtacamaxtitlan, Puebla. The information comes from organization Fundar, which reported that SE told Indigenous communities and ejidos that the company is not allowed to carry out mining activities on their territory as a result of the cancellation. Other media have since confirmed the annulment.

Number of Mining Projects Under Construction Increases

The portfolio of Mexican mining projects currently in their construction stage has increased, as companies are focused on growing their production amid rising metal prices. The country hosts at least 11 projects under construction or preconstruction, of which total CAPEX stands at US$2.7 billion.

Morelos Could Become a Hub for Responsible Mining Projects

The Morelos bar association asked for more private projects and responsible investments to be allowed in the state, such as the Esperanza mining project in Temixco. The project has been criticized by NGOs, communities and the government for being irresponsible, but other nearby communities say that these accusations are unfounded and that the project will generate wealth for the region.

Adán Augusto López Meets with Miners in Sonora

During a working trip to Sonora, Interior Minister Adán Augusto López met with two different mining groups with the aim to solve what he considers to be a historic mining conflict in Sonora. The minister’s visit comes amid escalating tensions between Cananea mineworkers and the federal government.

Napoleón Gómez Urrutia Supports Strike at Grupo Mexico Unit

Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, Senator for Morena and head of the National Union of Mining, Metallurgical, Iron, Steel and Similar Workers of the Mexican Republic (SNTMMSSRM) visited miners that have been protesting for over 15 years in Taxco, Guerrero to express his support for the workers’ movement.