Mining Investment Poised to Reach US$7 Billion as Permits Clear

The Ministry of Economy has announced that the industry is expected to invest US$7 billion once previously pending environmental permits are approved. Fernando Aboitiz, Head, Ministry’s Extractive Activities Coordination Unit, said, “Once all 176 pending permits are authorized, the industry’s investment will easily reach US$7 billion.”

He emphasized that mining projects are important for the country but must align with the government’s social and environmental priorities. “The president has instructed us to engage directly with communities to ensure mining benefits, rather than harm for local populations,” Aboitiz stated during the XXXVI International Mining Convention 2025.

Aboitiz highlighted ongoing dialogue between the government and the mining sector, noting that challenges are addressed through collaboration. He added that communities must be treated with respect and that economic gains from mining should be broadly shared. Respect for ejidos and long-term environmental stewardship are also priorities. “The focus is on remediation and, where possible, improving environmental outcomes rather than leaving liabilities behind,” he explained.

The mining sector faced significant difficulties during the period when permits were delayed, which threatened operational continuity. Progress is now being made, with 100 of the 175 pending permits already approved, enabling mining activities to continue. “We are reaching a balanced approach with the mining industry. The government does not oppose mining; we aim for socially responsible practices. Meeting these standards is the path forward for the sector,” Aboitiz concluded.

Permits and Policy Context

Under former President López Obrador, no new permits were granted. The current administration, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has improved permit approvals while maintaining a cautious, state-driven approach. According to the latest CAMIMEX report, Mexico has 574 mining projects across 30 states, concentrated in Sonora (126), Chihuahua (67), and Durango (59). Of these projects, 225 are in exploration, 225 in production, 27 in development, 85 on hold, and 12 in closure.

At the convention, Marcelo Ebrard, Minister of Economy, also announced plans to accelerate mining permit approvals in 2026 to support large-scale exploration and meet growing global demand for critical minerals. Ebrard emphasized the shared responsibility between the government and mining companies regarding sustainability and labor standards and highlighted the sector’s importance for Mexico’s economic growth, job creation, and transition toward responsible mining practices.

Strengthening Environmental Regulation

At Mexico Mining Forum 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) said it was updating several key official standards (NOMs) governing mining operations, from exploration to tailings management. Luz Mariana Pérez, SEMARNAT’s Director of Regulation for the Mining and Metallurgical Industry, stressed that the ministry functions not only as an environmental authority but also as a compliance partner, facilitating adherence to regulations.

Key updates include NOM-120 for direct mineral exploration, NOM-157 for mining waste management plans, NOM-141 for tailings dams, and a new NOM-147 on contaminated soil remediation. NOMs for gold, silver, and copper leaching systems (NOM-155 and NOM-159) remain current. Pérez highlighted that all updates are based on technical studies incorporating both academic and industry perspectives, aiming to balance regulatory rigor with practical compliance.