Chihuahua is a desert state with its primary cities spread apart across its 246,865km2. For its 3.79 million inhabitants, it presents the ideal blank canvas for mine operations. Mining in Chihuahua presents unique opportunities for those who would otherwise struggle to find employment, in rough terrains and isolated areas. One of the country’s biggest producers, Chihuahua contributed 3.4 percent to national GDP and mining accounted for 6.3 percent of the state’s contribution. One factor behind the state’s low unemployment rate is its mining industry, worth US$17.96 billion.