LitioMx to Go Beyond Extraction Under New National Strategy

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Minister of Energy Luz Elena González is actively working on new strategies to expand LitioMx’s role, aiming to integrate the company into broader development frameworks that extend beyond lithium extraction. The initiative seeks to strengthen capabilities in research and in the production of photovoltaic panels and batteries.

Sheinbaum reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to building the entire lithium value chain in Mexico. She emphasized that lithium extraction in the country requires specialized technology, distinct from methods used elsewhere, and highlighted that both the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) and CONAHCYT have already developed appropriate technological solutions to support this process.

Sheinbaum also highlighted PEMEX’s plan to create a new subsidiary, PEMEX Litio, which would lead national efforts in lithium exploration, extraction, and utilization. According to PEMEX’s 2024–2030 strategic plan, the new unit will be headed by a Director General and supported by leaders overseeing Strategic Planning, Manufacturing and Commercialization, Exploration and Processing, Administration and Finance, Legal Affairs, and Internal Control.

PEMEX and Lithium

Sheinbaum emphasized that PEMEX’s expansion into the lithium sector represents a deliberate move to diversify its business portfolio and open new revenue streams. She underscored the need for the state-owned company to explore alternatives beyond traditional oil production, refining, and fuel sales, pointing to lithium as a promising avenue.

This move could also facilitate potential collaboration between PEMEX and LitioMx, aligning with global trends where oil companies are investing in the lithium industry to future-proof their operations. 

Mexico’s Lithium Landscape

Mexico holds an estimated 1.7 million t of lithium reserves. While this figure is smaller compared to other Latin American producers, experts believe that with the right investment and development, the country could emerge as a key player in the global lithium market. Currently, Mexico hosts 82 lithium deposits across 18 states, with major concentrations in Sonora (13), Puebla (12), and Oaxaca (9), among others.