Mexico Secures 49th Spot in Mining Investment Attractiveness

Mexico secured the 49th spot in the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Mining Investment Attractiveness Index. The jump in the ranking was driven more by an improvement in Mexico's Geological Potential Index than by its Policy Perception Index. In other news, Grupo México’s subsidiary plans to invest US$600 million in its Mexican mines in 2025, and is in talks with the government to advance a larger investment of over US$10.2 billion.

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Mexico Jumps 25 Positions in Mining Investment Attractiveness

Mexico rose to the 49th position in the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Mining Investment Attractiveness Index, a significant recovery from its 74th place ranking in 2023.

Why Mexico Needs a Mining Vision
Diego Torroella, Managing Director, TAKRAF Mexico, notes that while the global energy transition is creating unprecedented demand for copper, Mexico is at risk of missing a major opportunity to capitalize on its potential. He argues that despite the country's rank as a Top 10 global producer, the absence of a clear national vision for mining, combined with permitting delays and regulatory ambiguity, makes it difficult for companies to make the long-term investments needed to meet this growing demand.

Efficiency, Safety, Sustainability Through Chinese Machinery 

Gustavo Gu, Director General, Zoomlion, notes that the company is leveraging its experience as a Top 3 global construction machinery manufacturer to support a strategic, phased expansion into the Mexican and Latin American mining markets. He explains that Zoomlion's approach is to first build brand familiarity and trust by introducing standard models, supported by a growing network of local service hubs in key mining regions like Sonora and Chihuahua. Once established, the company will introduce more advanced hybrid and intelligent equipment, offering customized solutions to meet the specific technical requirements of major mining operators in the region.

Global Copper Market Faces Major Disruption Amid US Tariffs

The global copper market is experiencing a big disruption in a year already marked by price volatility, shifting policies, and trade uncertainties. President Donald Trump recently imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports but excluded refined copper, the core component of international copper trade. This exemption triggered a sharp decline in US copper prices, abruptly ending a lucrative window for traders who had expedited shipments into the US ahead of the tariffs.

Southern Copper Targets US$10.2 Billion Mexico Investment

Southern Copper Corporation announced plans to invest more than US$600 million in its Mexican mines in 2025, while also holding talks with the current federal administration to advance a larger investment pipeline valued at US$10.2 billion.