A Message of Optimism for Mining in Mexico

On March 4, 2025, at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto, right before our participation in the panel, “Navigating Mexico’s Legal and Regulatory Framework,” during Mexico Mining Forum 2025 at the PDAC Convention, Fernando Aboitiz, head of the Extractive Activities Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Economy, presented the opening address on behalf of the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. It is important to highlight that during the administration of Sheinbaum’s predecessor, the presence of Mexican officials at PDAC was almost null, and silence is also a message.

On this occasion, we heard directly from Aboitiz, who delivered a message of optimism and tranquility toward the industry leadership, a message in which he highlighted that there is going to be a change and a renewed vision regarding the mining industry in Mexico, confirming that there will not be any legislative bans on open pit mining operations, and that the acquired rights on existing mining concessions will be respected, including those rights for exploration and exploitation. He also noted the intention of the federal government to boost the investment and expansion of projects in the industry by releasing pending environmental authorizations that were at a standstill for new projects and for existing operations, prioritizing those that represent a burden to the very existence of the mining project and the source of employment for miners, and those that are needed for the protection of the environment and the safe operations of the mines.

Aboitiz clearly stated that the government was working very closely with CAMIMEX (Mexican Mining Chamber) in developing the pending regulation in the new Mining Law  enacted and passed in 2023, and that he hoped that this regulation would be ready and become effective by June 2025. He said the regulation will try to provide clarity and close all the pending gaps in the current Mining Law. He urged the leaders of companies with a presence in Mexico to continue to invest in Mexico, and to think about expanding the presence of Mexican mining companies abroad. Aboitiz also announced that the federal government will be developing and proposing new public-private partnerships for exploration purposes and for structuring new mining projects in the future, all of this aligned with the Mexican Mining Legal Framework.

However, he was also clear that despite the fact that the vision of the federal government toward mining was now going to proactively focus on increasing the investment and growth of existing projects, there were still some concerns that need to be evaluated and that will demand attention from mining companies, including a strong focus on the protection of the environment and the social impact that the mining operations create in their surrounding communities. For this purpose, Aboitiz directly recommended that all companies obtain the “Clean Company” certification that is granted by PROFEPA (Federal Attorney's Office for Environmental Protection) as part of the National Environmental Audit Program (PNAA). This certification is valid for two years, can be renewed, and recognizes companies that comply with environmental legislation and adopt good practices to reduce their environmental impact.

In addition to this certification, Aboitiz highly recommended the measuring of the social impact of mining companies, and the effects that their operations have on the communities and social groups where they operate, including aspects such as employment, quality of life, local culture, access to services, and the relationship with the environment. He highlighted that it was important for the federal government to perceive in a measurable and transparent manner the positive impact of the mining industry. Furthermore, he highlighted that water usage and management would be keenly observed and regulated by the federal administration and invited the mining companies to be compliant with the legal framework and start implementing best practices to protect this vital liquid, adding that there were already some important agreements as part of the national covenant for water management, between the public and private mining sectors. 

Being there in the conference room during the address, we could observe firsthand that this message of optimism and tranquility resonated positively and was well received by those present, with some representatives of mining companies even thankful for the transparency and the new dialog-driven attitude toward mining of the federal officials on Claudia Sheinbaum’s team. 

Despite the current legal duplicity in regulation, for those holders of mining concessions that operate under the rules of the former Mining Law based on the suspension granted against the applicability of the new Mining Law enacted in 2023, and those holders of mining concessions that operate under the new mining legal regime post-2023, it seems that a new era in mining is emerging, with a more balanced view and collaboration between the public and private sectors, which ultimately have a common, shared goal: create social and economic value, protect the environment, generate a positive and measurable social impact, and of course, improve the lives of the members of the communities around the mines.

The recommendations are clear, and includes all types of mining concession holders, whether they are small, midsize, or large mining companies, and regardless of the stage of the mining cycle in which they are positioned, including exploration and prospection, development and permitting, construction and mine development, production, or mine closure: first, keep your mining concessions valid, and second, it will be necessary to operate with a clear focus on being able to demonstrate and excel regarding environmental and welfcare obligations, as well as having a measurable and transparent social license to demonstrate the positive impact that the mining project has on its surroundings.  

We want to emphasize, as we have said in previous messages, that mining industry is a strong and natural ally for the federal government to achieve the objectives of the Plan Mexico for 2030, and that supporting and strengthening the Mexican mining industry, providing clear rules and a certain legal framework, will allow the flourishing and expansion of mining projects that address the causes of the region’s challenges, optimizing alliances and providing alternative solutions to structural problems that directly impact the well-being of the people in a given territory, including the communities around every mine in Mexico. 

The responsible and conscious mining industry is already a patient and long-term industry, and it is a natural ally for the long-term goals of Plan Mexico. It is a team effort that could bring excellent results. It seems that the new federal government is willing to strengthen this public-private alliance. We can make it happen. Let’s work together toward this goal.