The Mining Sector Created More Than 400,000 Jobs: IMSS

In 2022, the mining sector has contributed to the creation of more than 400,000 jobs. Despite frequent disputes with the government and a slowdown in foreign direct investment, the number of workers has increased considerably.

According to data from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), the mining sector registered 406,179 workers to the IMSS platform in 2022. The number of workers hired by the mining industry has constantly increased over the years: In 2016, the sector employed over 354,702 people, and this figure increased to 367,935 workers in 2020. However, the number of jobs created by the mining sector could be even bigger, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Economy (SE). As of September 2022, the total number of jobs 421,833. 

According to data from 2021,  39.5 percent of the registered workers were concentrated in non-metallic mineral refining, 32 percent in the basic metals industry, 19 percent in extracting and harnessing metals, 8.8 percent in extracting and harnessing coal, graphite and non-metallic minerals, and 0.7 percent in salt extraction. 

Similarly, 15.3 percent of these jobs were concentrated in Nuevo León, 9.1 percent in Coahuila, 8.6 percent in the State of Mexico and the remaining 37 percent was distributed among the rest of the country, with each state contributing no more than 6 percent. 

According to the Mexican Mining Chamber’s (CAMIMEX) 2021 Sustainability Report, the mining sector employs over 57,826 women, representing 15 percent of the total workforce, as reported by MBN. CAMIMEX highlights that of this figure, some women hold operative and leading positions. Experts say that the participation of women in the mining sector has been increasing slowly but steadily. According to CAMIMEX, the average income for women in the sector is 73 percent higher than the national average.

However, the industry faces some challenges regarding employee health, as it is one of the industries with higher work-related disease rates. According to IMSS data, employees that work in the extraction of coal graphite and non-metallic minerals suffer from 10 percent of work-related diseases. They also sustain 14 percent of 14.3 percent of work-related permanent injuries. 

Nevertheless, other sectors of the mining industry report lower rates. Metal extractors in underground mines represent only 3.8 percent of work-related diseases and 8.1 percent of work-related permanent incapacities.