SEMARNAT Halts Mining Environmental Authorizations in NPAs

SEMARNAT banned the issuance of new environmental permits for mining projects within Natural Protected Areas (NPAs). The measure stems from a Supreme Court (SCJN) ruling that determined that the 2023 amendments to the Mining Law and other environmental legislation do not violate the constitutional principle of non-retroactivity. In other news, Silver surged nearly 5% and gold rose over 1% on July 21 as Middle East mediation eased energy inflation fears. 

Ready for more? This is your Weekly RoundUp! 

SEMARNAT Bars New Mining Projects in Protected Natural Areas

SEMARNAT banned the issuance of new environmental permits for mining projects within NPAs. The decision means it will no longer be possible to obtain the environmental authorization required to develop new mining projects inside federally protected natural reserves.

Mexican Gold Mining Becomes Platauro Metals, Debuts on TSXV

The Veracruz-focused explorer formerly called Mexican Gold Mining has closed its takeover of Alcon Silver, rebranded as Platauro Metals Corp., and started trading on July 20 on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker PURO, completing a combination that hands Alcon's former shareholders roughly 53% of the enlarged company.

Coeur Doubles Down on Mexico With Record Exploration Budget

Coeur Mining is spending more on finding new ounces this year than at any point in its history, and it is spending most of it in Chihuahua and Sonora. The Chicago-based producer has committed US$158 million to exploration in 2026, roughly double last year's figure,  with over US$50 million directed at its two Mexican mines: US$27 million and 83km of drilling at Palmarejo, and US$24 million and 119km at Las Chispas.

Hyper-Specialization Pays Off in Mining Tax: FRIMA

FRIMA's Co-Founders Guillermo Ríos and Carolina Franco say that hyper-specialized tax and legal advice enables mining companies in Mexico to navigate aggressive SAT audits, secure pre-operating VAT refunds, and prevent severe contingencies like digital seal restrictions or concession cancellations.

Goldgroup Completes Merger With Gold Resource

Canada-based Goldgroup Mining completed its business combination with US-based Gold Resource by acquiring the entity through a merger with its wholly owned subsidiary, Goldgroup Merger Sub. Goldgroup considers the combination of both companies’ assets to position the company to become a leading Mexico-focused junior precious metals producer.

Critical Minerals Will Require More than Geology

Pablo Méndez, Managing Partner, EC Rubio, considers that developing Mexico's critical mineral potential into secure North American supply chains requires far more than geological wealth, demanding legal certainty, clear secondary regulations, responsible exploration, and integrated social and environmental planning.

Luca Mining Cash Position Falls to US$24.7 Million in 2Q26

Canada-based Luca Mining released its operational and financial results for 2Q26, reporting a cash balance of approximately US$24.7 million compared to US$36.4 million recorded at the end of March 31, 2026. The company says it is focused on improving operations at its main assets in Guerrero and Durango. 

Silver, Gold Climb as Middle East Mediation Hopes Lift Metals

Silver surged close to 5% and gold advanced more than 1% on July 21, as traders bet that fresh mediation efforts in the Middle East could ease energy-price pressures and soften expectations that central banks will keep interest rates elevated to fight inflation. The move offers a lift to Mexico, the world's top silver producer, whose mining sector has ridden a turbulent metals market through 2026.