Mexico Works Toward Safer Mines With ILO Convention Ratification

Mexico’s Senate committees on International Organizations, Foreign Affairs, and Mining have endorsed a proposal to ratify ILO Convention 176, an international framework to protect the health and safety of mine workers.

The initiative seeks to bring Mexico’s mining legislation in line with international labor standards. Adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva on June 22, 1995, the convention upholds miners’ rights to receive proper training, information, and consultation regarding workplace risks and safety measures.

If ratified, the measure would require Mexican authorities to appoint inspectors to investigate and report incidents that could endanger workers, ensuring transparency and awareness of occupational hazards within mining operations. It would also guarantee continuous education in occupational safety, including emergency response and the correct use of protective equipment for all workers in the sector.

Safety in Mining

Over the past decade, Mexico has recorded more than 270 mining accidents, resulting in 270 fatalities and 108 injuries. The period between 2012 and 2017 saw the highest concentration of incidents. However, in recent years, accident rates have declined as mining companies have strengthened safety protocols and implemented stricter operational standards.

According to the latest data, in 2023 Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare carried out about 48,000 workplace inspections nationwide, 6% of which focused on the mining, metallurgical, and steel industries. The goal is to achieve zero workplace incidents by applying best safety practices and ensuring continuous worker training. These efforts are paying off, companies affiliated with CAMIMEX reported an accident rate of 1.33, below the national average, showing steady progress toward safer mining operations.