MMF 2024 CDMX: Facing Challenges, Embracing Opportunities

While the mining sector remains a cornerstone of the Mexican economy, with a critical role in the energy transition, the industry faces the challenge of supplying essential minerals. Additionally, the sector must navigate the uncertainty created by the current government's suspension of permits, concessions, and the introduction of restrictive reforms. Despite these obstacles, industry leaders remain optimistic about Mexico’s mining potential and the sector's prospects under a new administration.

Want more exclusive insights into the Mexican mining sector? Check out the highlights from MMF 2024 in CDMX!

Charting New Horizons: Mining Industry's Vision for the Future

Regulatory changes and ESG trends are impacting all industries, mining included. In this context, Pedro Rivero, President, CAMIMEX, considers it crucial for the mining industry to strengthen its efforts to promote knowledge and education about mining activities and the ways in which they have evolved to meet sustainability and ESG standards, as well as their role in society and the Mexican economy.

Towards the New Mining

Throughout López Obrador's administration, the mining sector has faced significant challenges. Among these are the 2023 reform of the Mining Law and the recent proposal to ban open-pit mining. Additionally, issues of insecurity and rule of law are critical factors that influence decisions regarding mining investments. The challenges for companies and the industry at large are how to navigate these complexities and how to secure mining’s position as a key industry for Mexico’s future, agree experts.

New Developments in Mining: Plomosas Project, Sinaloa

GR Silver Mining is advancing its mining initiatives in the Rosario Mining District in Sinaloa, focusing on the Plomosas and San Marcial mines. The project promises to yield high grades at low development costs. Furthermore, while the mining industry deals with important regulatory challenges, the Plomosas district highlights the great opportunities and development that further mining exploration can bring to Mexican localities. 

How to Face Energy Challenges in Mining With Hybrid Technologies

As mining companies seek increased efficiency and a lower environmental impact, they are faced with growing challenges when embracing hybrid energy technologies. With the right support, however, mining companies can rapidly transition to alternative fuels, achieving significant cost savings and moving closer to their goal of zero emissions, says Mariano Souto, Director General, Aggreko.

Enhancing Mining Supply Chain Dynamics

Over the past four years, the reconfiguration of supply chains has highlighted the need to enhance production processes and incorporate technology to optimize operations and efficiency within the mining supply chain. However, this advancement has also brought certain challenges, such as a lack of communication among stakeholders and uncertainty in the mining sector.

Safety and Prevention in the Mining Industry

Insecurity remains a significant concern for the mining industry in Mexico, with theft, kidnapping, extortion, and protection payments posing daily challenges. While facing the situation may be challenging, reporting incidents to the authorities, investing in security, and effectively using technology are all key to address this, says Javier Robles, Country Manager, Grupo Multisistemas de Seguridad Industrial.

Women Leadership in the Mexican Mining Industry

The need for change in how the mining sector approaches talent management is becoming increasingly evident. As the industry seeks to attract, retain, and develop the talent it requires, there is a growing focus on fostering an inclusive environment that supports women at all levels of the organizations, states Olivia Segura, Partner Advisory, People & Change, KPMG Mexico.

Opportunities for Mexico-Chile Mining Collaboration

In an era of increasing globalization and environmental challenges, mining remains a cornerstone of both Chilean and Mexican economies. Francisco Lecaros, President, Chilean Mining Foundation, highlights the deep interconnection between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and strategies to address common challenges and seize joint opportunities in the mining sector.

Safeguarding Operations Amid Digital Threats

The year 2024 marked a pivotal shift in the mining sector's approach to cybersecurity, with the issue reemerging as a major concern in EY’s Risks and Opportunities Survey 2024, where it secured the eighth position. This renewed focus on cybersecurity is largely driven by the sector's increased digitization, the widespread adoption of remote work, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

ESG Challenges, Opportunities: Sustainability and Climate Change

ESG efforts have become a priority for many mining companies. Experts emphasize that companies that diversify their strategies and adapt to the evolving landscape will remain the most competitive. Yet, there are still challenges to address toward truly embracing ESG standards, merely beyond emissions reduction, according to mining industry experts.

Mexico's Mining Hubs: New Priorities and Ambitions

Mexican states with mining operations deeply understand the value that the mining industry brings to their regions. In accordance with global and national trends, the Mexican mining industry is adapting to the implementation of ESG standards, development of local supply chains, and adapting to regulation that has evolved importantly over the past administration. These mining states remain hopeful as the industry’s activities and benefits are ingrained in their economic activities and expect a continued dialogue with federal authorities that appear receptive of the importance of this industry for mining states.