New Zealand Sees Opportunities in Zacatecas’ Mining Sector

The Zacatecas Mining Cluster (CLUSMIN) reported that New Zealand is interested in the opportunities offered by Zacatecas' mining sector, which hosts the world's largest silver producer, Mexico-based Fresnillo, among other important producers. With the arrival of a trade commission, several mining-focused companies are considering establishing operations in the state.

Zacatecas Minister of Economy Rodrigo Castañeda and Sergio Flores, Director, CLUSMIN, organized an event to welcome New Zealand’s Trade Commission, headed by New Zealand’s Commissioner for Trade, Rhianon Berry, who stressed the importance of having a strong and fruitful relationship between Zacatecas, New Zealand and its companies. 

Attendees highlighted the importance of developing women-led businesses in both Mexico and New Zealand, an initiative that both countries are committed to, as it not only promotes gender equality but also fosters economic development. 

Three New Zealand companies were present at the event: software provider Seequent, whose solutions diagram the subsoil’s interior for construction or mining projects; Loadscan, which provides advanced scanning systems, and leading provider of crushers, pulverizers, sample dividers and certified reference materials for the extraction of gold, silver, platinum, iron and palladium, Rocklabs. The event also featured local mining companies and suppliers like Dicom, Fresnillo, Grupo Terra, Cavi and Orla Camino Rojo.

As part of the activities, Berry and Castañeda held a meeting to discuss the Program for Local Supplier Development promoted by the local government, aiming at strengthening the supply chain of strategic sectors, including mining. 

Castañeda also held a meeting with José Velázquez, Business Development Manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), and representatives of Seequent, Loadscan and STG Mining, which are looking to install their operations in Zacatecas. Berry highlighted that agribusiness and mining are the most attractive sectors for New Zealand companies. 

According to CLUMIN, New Zealand exports to Mexico grew by 19.8% in 2021 and by 30.8% in 2022, while imports of Mexican products to New Zealand grew by 14.6% in 2021 and by 24.9% in 2022.  

Zacatecas is the largest silver producer in Mexico. In April 2022, the state reported silver production of over 201,270kg, which accounts for 36.8% of the national production. However, silver is not the only mineral in which the state stands out. During the same period, the state produced 13,970t of lead and 30,538t of zinc, positioning Zacatecas as the leading producer of these minerals, as reported by MBN.